News Release

PNNL, WSU to advance biomass research in new facility

Washington State University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory partner to address dependence on imported oil and advance higher education

Business Announcement

DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University and the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory today dedicated a new building for the advancement of biomass research.

At the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, WSU & PNNL will work together to develop new solutions to some of the nation’s largest energy problems, strengthen opportunities to move technology into industry and provide students with a hands-on educational experience. The new $24.8 million facility is located on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.

At BSEL, researchers will create a portfolio of biobased products and fuels that will help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign petroleum and carbon footprint of energy use. Researchers will focus on biofuels that are more efficient to produce and more compatible with the existing fuels infrastructure than today’s biofuels. The research will advance conversion technologies that can be used with a variety of feedstocks, including non-edible cellulosic biomass and crops specifically grown for fuel.

“Cellulosic ethanol is a critical component of the President's comprehensive strategy to diversify our nation's energy sources in a sustainable manner, enhance energy security and address the serious challenge of global climate change," said Andy Karsner, DOE assistant secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "BSEL's work to develop and deploy clean and affordable renewable fuels will prove pivotal as the Bush Administration works aggressively to mitigate climate change and meet the rapidly growing demand for energy.”

A key objective of BSEL is to facilitate the transition of new technologies from the laboratory to commercial deployment. BSEL features a high-bay facility that will enable researchers to test new concepts close to industrial scale, increasing commercialization potential.

At BSEL, WSU students will also have the opportunity to test new ideas and skills in a real-world environment, preparing them for careers in science. The facility is designed to provide maximum interaction between students and national laboratory researchers, industry and faculty. Many PNNL researchers will teach classes, and students will have access to state-of-the art research equipment.

“One of the goals of education—and a goal that Washington State University takes quite seriously—is to provide students with the tools, knowledge and experience they need to make an impact on solving regional and national problems,” said Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University. “This facility and the ongoing collaboration with PNNL is a significant step toward equipping the next generation of workers to help solve national problems, such as dependence on imported oil and increasing carbon emissions.”

The state of Washington, led by Gov. Christine Gregoire, was instrumental in securing funding for BSEL through the university system and providing support for the hiring of world-class researcher Birgitte Ahring to lead the interdisciplinary center.

Ahring is an internationally recognized microbiologist with a diverse background that includes public-private partnerships, academic and industrial collaboration, high-level research and a passion for educating others. She will serve as director of the Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy at WSU and as a Battelle Distinguished Professor.

Ahring received her Ph.D. in microbiology in 1986 from the University of Copenhagen. She is founder and chief executive officer of BioGasol, an engineering and technology company that designs and develops technologies for second generation bioethanol production.

Mike Kluse, laboratory director at PNNL noted, “BSEL is more than just a building. It’s a facility that gives researchers and students access to the best equipment to help tackle some of our country’s greatest needs.”

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