BioFuels Journal

The following Sun Grant Initiave awards were presented this year from the Western Region, Oregon State University:

• Production of Biobased Plastics Using Organic Waste Streams, Erik Coats, University of Idaho (2-year project, $254,916 total).

Objective: Development of new biobased products and processes that utilize biodiesel and manure waste streams in order to improve waste management practices, enhance rural economies and reduce dependence on petroleum-based feedstocks and products. • Biofuels from Salt Basin Algae: A Renewable Energy Crop, John Cushman, University of Nevada (3-year project, $294,173 total).

Objective: Assessment of salt tolerant algae as a potential biodiesel feedstock through genetic screening and field tests. • Regional Economic Analysis of Feedstock Production and Processing in the Pacific Northwest: Expected Economic Impact, David Holland, Washington State University (2-year project, $200,000 total).

Objective: Examination of crop and fuel production for biodiesel, corn ethanol, and cellulosic ethanol in the Pacific Northwest using potential price and productivity scenarios.

• Hybrid Poplar as a Regional Ethanol Feedstock: Its Development, Production and Economics, Jon Johnson, Washington State University (3-year project, $583,002 total),

Objective: Analyze hybrid poplar clones to develop ethanol yield data, which will then be used to determine breeding and selection criteria for desired feedstock characteristics.

• Enzyme-Mediated Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Feedstocks to Ethanol, Christine Kelly, Oregon State University (2-year project, $200,000 total).

Objective: Development of new "accessory" enzymes that will assist available cellulases to increase the rate and extent of converting lignocellulosic biomass, such as forest thinnings or grasses, to ethanol.

• Bio-electrolysis: Novel Technology for Hydrogen Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass, Hong Liu, Oregon State University (2-year project, $196,325 total).

Objective: Development of a bio-electrolytic process to generate hydrogen directly from renewable, abundant and readily available lignocellulosic biomass in a cost-effective manner. • Development of Camelina as a Low-Input Oilseed Crop, Don Wysocki, Oregon State University (3-year project, $295-214 total).

Objective: Develop cropping systems and practices to incorporate Camelina, a summer annual oilseed crop, into Pacific Northwest crop production systems.