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University/College Programs

Table of Contents

Introduction

  • Programs
    • United States (alpha by state)
    • United States (multi-state programs alpha by program title)
    • Online Degrees
    • Asia/Pacific Rim (alpha by country)
    • Canada (alpha by province)
    • Europe (alpha by country)

Introduction

The study Clean Energy & Climate Policy for U.S. Growth and Job Creation: An Economic Assessment of the American Clean Energy & Security Act and the Clean Energy Jobs & American Power Act indicate that as many as 1.9 million new jobs could be created across the United States within the renewable energy sphere. The U.S. biofuels industry is growing by 25-50% every year. Employment in biofuel labs, plants, and retailers will be plentiful in the future. And careers in academia and research in these disciplines will increase as well as more universities offer programs focused on renewable, alternative and sustainable energy.

While educational institutions are becoming much more focused on offering alternative energy and renewable energy curriculums; actual degrees, majors, minors or concentrations in these disciplines are still few and far between. However, if you have an interest in specializing in the emerging biomass and biofuel industries, there are many options available to you in higher education, depending on what type of work and academic experience you are seeking.

Some Community Colleges offer various associates degrees and certificate programs, which essentially prepare the graduate for work in renewable energy production and management. Graduates from these programs can expect to find employment as system installation and maintenance technicians, lab technicians and other entry level positions. Some of these programs also prepare the student to move to a 4 year college to obtain a bachelors degree.

In terms of 4 year, masters and doctorate programs, renewable energy focus can be approached from various academic angles. Almost all of these programs are interdisciplinary. Departments and colleges within Universities which typically have a focus in the biofuels and biomass disciplines include Chemical and Agricultural Engineering, Biosciences, Environmental Sustainability and Resource Use, Forestry and Land Resource Management, Energy Production, Sustainability and Engineering programs.

United States (by State)

Alabama

Auburn University   Auburn University has been offering engineering courses since 1872 and has a long and rich tradition of excellence in engineering education. As a major presence in engineering education, you can expect excellent academic, research and outreach programs; computer and laboratory facilities that are second to none; and a world-class faculty.  Auburn ranks  in the top 40 institutions nationally in research expenditures. This research powers the local, state, regional and national economies.  Employers tell us that our emphasis on fundamentals, hands-on engineering and a strong work ethic sets Auburn engineering graduates apart as leaders in the workplace and the community.  READ MORE

  • Sample Research Grant: 1/10/10 -  Jin Wang, faculty member in Auburn University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, recently received a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture for the project “Simultaneous Glucose and Xylose Fermentation using Coculture in a Novel Bioreactor.” Wang’s team will investigate coculture systems that create cellulosic biomass, the most abundant and inexpensive renewable feedstock used to produce ethanol for biofuels.  READ MORE

Alaska

University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska A.A.S. , Renewable Resources, Ph.D., Natural Resources and Sustainability

A.A.S – The renewable resources degree program is offered by the College of Rural and Community Development on the Fairbanks campus and through rural campuses. This two-year A.A.S. degree program helps students gain employment with state, federal or tribal resource management agencies, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporations or other entities. For those already employed in this field, this program provides an opportunity to improve job skills.

Ph.D. – The Ph.D. builds on the existing strengths of the School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and School of Management faculty members to educate students in specific areas while training them to be conversant in the broader range of relevant topic areas. The program objectives and its curriculum center around three thematic areas of study: 1) resource economics, 2) resource policy and sustainability science, and 3) forest and agricultural sciences. READ MORE

University of Alaska – Alaska Center for Research and Power,  Fairbanks  The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) is an applied energy research program based at the University of Alaska.  ACEP was formed in January, 2008 with the goal of meeting Alaska’s unique energy research needs, and operates under a private sector business model within the University system.

ACEP is a gateway for energy related activity at the University of Alaska.  Working across campuses and pulling from the University’s extensive resources and expertise, ACEP is interdisciplinary, needs-driven, and agile.   The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) seeks to meet state, industry, and federal demand for applied energy research in order to lower the cost of energy throughout Alaska and develop economic opportunities for the State, its residents, and its industries.  Sample Research Projects include: 

  • Woody Biomass Crops for Interior Alaska – Alaska is home to a wide range of willow varieties, however there is little information on growth rates for most species.   For this reason, the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) teamed with the University of Alaska Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station in 2008 to assess growth rates of naturally growing willows and other fast growing shrubs in interior Alaska. The University of Alaska has also experimented with cultivating several plots of willows and other fast growing woody biomass crops at their Experiment Farm in Fairbanks, as well as use of willows for phytoremediation (use of plants to treat polluted soil or water) through the Institute of Northern Engineering.   READ MORE

 

Arizona

University of Arizona Ph.D. Minor, Global Change As part of the University of Arizona’s Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDP), the Committee on Global Change offers a global change PhD minor. The program provides graduate students with a broad understanding of critical concepts and state-of-the-art skills in the rapidly emerging field of global change.

The program’s mission is to help form and prepare the interdisciplinary scientific community who will contribute to an integrated understanding of the natural and social dynamics of global change. At the same time, the program is meant to create a forum within which scholars from different parts of the University can coalesce in innovative ways around the complex problems that constitute global change. READ MORE

University of Arizona -  Institute of the Environment, Tuscan    The Institute of the Environment collaborates across The University of Arizona campus to understand, communicate, and solve the environmental challenges facing our world, nation, and state, as well as to help the people of Arizona seize opportunities created by these challenges.  The Institute offers many academic programs for students and faculty participates and/or leads important research.  Sample projects include:

  • 1/10/10 – Several University of Arizona researchers are part of a consortium that has just received a U.S. Department of Energy grant totaling more than $44 million that is intended to bring more sustainable and economically sound algae-based biofuels to market.  Kimberly Ogden, a UA chemical and environmental engineering professor, will serve as the University’s principal investigator and also head of the alliance’s engineering efforts.   “To tackle the problem of large-scale production of algae for fuels and other products we have to have a better understanding of everything from the biology to the interfacing with existing petroleum processing plants,” Ogden said.   READ MORE

Arkansas

Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium Center of Excellence in Renewable Energy Technology Education  A consortium of five Arkansas community colleges are offering students the option of three programs in Renewable Energy Technology (RET) in the fall semester 2009 with options including a two year Associate of Applied Science degree, a one year Technical Certificate and a one semester Certificate of Proficiency. Renewable Energy refers to energy that is made from natural resources that can be replenished by nature.

“The RET programs are currently grant funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, said Lee Griffith, East Arkansas Community College Director of Administrative Services.  “The grant for the RET programs contains funds that are ear marked for student’s tuition, books, and fees for those who major in RET,” said Griffith.  “Students don’t have to qualify for financial aid or scholarships to be eligible for these funds.  In fact, if a student received scholarship funding for the RET program, they would still be able to receive other forms of financial aid.”

Energies produced from renewable resources include biofuels, solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, hydro-electric, and nuclear power. The EACC RET program’s major focus will be upon on bio-diesel production processes.

Members of the consortium are:

  • East Arkansas Community College –Forrest City, Arkansas  READ MORE
  • Midsouth Community College – West Memphis, Arkansas
  • Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas – (3 campuses – Helena, Stuttgart, and DeWitt)
  • Arkansas Northeastern College – Blytheville, Arkansas
  • Arkansas State University – Newport, Newport, Arkansas
    • A Bachelor of Applied Science will be developed at Arkansas State University for students who want to continue in the field towards a 4-year degree.   READ MORE

University of Arkansas – Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences   Bumpers College specializes in business, science, education and public service related to the human environment or the natural environment, as well as the production and care of plants and animals. Graduates also pursue graduate and professional degrees in business, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, and many other fields.  Sample research projects include:

  • The University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture is collaborating with counterparts in other states on bioenergy research and extension programs supported in part by a $1,968,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Some $600,000 of the U.S. Department of Energy grant funds will help support 25 projects in Arkansas. Projects involve research and extension faculty in the Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Forest Resources Center at Monticello, the Rice Research and Extension Center at Stuttgart, Southwest Research and Extension Center at Hope, the Public Policy Center at Little Rock and departments based on the Fayetteville campus.  READ MORE  and MORE

California

University of California at Berkeley B.S. Minor, M.A., M.S., Ph.D., Energy and Resources Established in 1973 as an academic degree-granting program at UC Berkeley, ERG is a unique interdisciplinary community of graduate students, core faculty and over 100 affiliates and researchers from across the campus.

ERG produces cutting edge research to inform scientific, policy and business communities.  ERG is an intellectual hub for research on clean energy, climate science, ecosystems and biodiversity, energy systems, international development, technology and society, and water policy. READ MORE

 The Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) is a research and development organization that harnesses advanced knowledge in biology, the physical sciences, engineering, and environmental and social sciences to devise viable solutions to global energy challenges and reduce the impact of fossil fuels to global warming. As the world’s first research institution solely dedicated to the new field of energy bioscience, the EBI is focusing on the development of next-generation biofuels as well as various applications of biology to the energy sector.

The EBI represents a unique collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley; the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and BP, which will support the Institute with a 10-year, $500-million grant.

The EBI hosts 60 research groups, which are comprised of 120 faculty members and 200 postdoctoral researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students at both the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Illinois. Additional research facilities include a 320-acre Energy Farm in Illinois and an 112,000-sq-ft Helios Building in Berkeley, which will be completed in 2013.

Humboldt State University, Arcata, California B.S. and M.S. programs in Environmental Resources Engineering The Environmental Resources Engineering program (ERE) is one of the largest, oldest and most respected ABET-accredited undergraduate environmental engineering programs. Our mission is to prepare engineers to solve complex environmental resources problems. The ERE program strives to educate leaders who will sustain, restore and protect our natural resources and the environment.

We prepare our students to be future leaders by establishing a foundation in both the fundamentals and the big picture. The unique ERE curriculum combines traditional environmental engineering with management of natural resources in applications such as ecological restoration and energy resource management. Our emphasis on hands-on learning also sets us apart from most undergraduate environmental engineering programs. ERE students engage in frequent labs, field trips, and team projects, while enjoying a cooperative learning environment in classes that typically have fewer than 24 students.

Sample Humboldt research: Biomass Gasification Project: Funded by UC Berkeley READ MORE

University of California, Davis – Bioenergy Research Center and California Biomass Collaborative  The Bioenergy Research Center at UC Davis is a coalition of over one hundred campus research scientists from a wide range of disciplines, including Agricultural & Resource Economics, Plant Sciences, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, Viticulture & Enology, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Economics, and several more.

The BERC seeks to advance the development of bioenergy – heat, power, and biofuels from biomass – and to that end is connecting researchers across the Davis campus, to enhance communication and the sharing of ideas, and to help focus and structure the previously individual or small group efforts to more efficiently use the vast capabilities of UCD.  READ MORE

The California Biomass Collaborative, a statewide collaboration of government, industry, environmental groups, and educational institutions administered for the state by the University of California, Davis. Sponsored by the California Energy Commission and other agency and industry partners, the Collaborative works to enhance the sustainable management and development of biomass in California for the production of renewable energy, biofuels, and products. 

University of California, Emeryville – the Joint BioEnergy Institute   The Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) is a San Francisco Bay Area scientific partnership led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and including the Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia), the University of California (UC) campuses of Berkeley and Davis, the Carnegie Institution for Science and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). JBEI’s primary scientific mission is to advance the development of the next generation of biofuels – liquid fuels derived from the solar energy stored in plant biomass. JBEI is one of three new U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs).  Sample research includes:    Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), Novozymes, and North Carolina State University’s Center for Integrated Fungal Research (NCSU-CIFR) have received a DNA sequencing award from the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) to study microbial genes in arid grasslands. The research combines interests in fundamental microbial ecology with DOE goals to exploit microbes in the production of biofuels.  READ MORE

Stanford University -  Precourt  Institute for Energy, Palo Alto, California   The Precourt Institute for Energy (PIE) has been established as a new independent institute at Stanford that engages in a broad-ranging, interdisciplinary program of research and education on energy – applying fundamental research to the problem of supplying energy in environmentally and economically acceptable ways, using it efficiently, and facing the behavioral, social, and policy challenges of creating new energy systems for the U.S. and the world.     READ MORE

PIE includes Global Climate and Energy Project.   The Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) at Stanford University seeks new solutions to one of the grand challenges of this century: supplying energy to meet the changing needs of a growing world population in a way that protects the environment.   Currently funded research includes:

READ MORE

Colorado

Colorado State University Graduate Program in Biofuels Development It is widely recognized that substantial technical advances must be achieved in all aspects of the bioenergy industry, including developing new energy crops; new biological, chemical, and thermal conversion technologies; and new byproducts. The goal of the MASB program, funded by the National Science Foundation, is to prepare PhD graduates who are trained as interdisciplinary scientists with full understanding of the technical challenges facing the emerging bioenergy industry.  Click here for more information.  PDF Announcement

Ecotech Institute  Ecotech Institute is focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainable design. Launched in April 2010 in the Denver Metro area, Colorado, the college offers programs designed by experts in the industry for people seeking careers in the rapidly emerging clean tech economy.   Programs are designed for direct entry into the workforce in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable design.

University of Colorado, Boulder B.S. and Ph. D. – Chemical and Biological Engineering We are a world-class department with 22 faculty (including 2 joint with chemistry) , 20 postdoctoral fellows and research technicians, 90 graduate students, and more than 360 undergraduate students. Our research program is extremely active, including research centers in biorefining and biofuels, membranes, pharmaceutical biotechnology, and photopolymerization. The University is a partner and frequent research participant with The Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels. READ MORE

 

Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels, or C2B2, will allow students to pursue research on feedstock science and engineering, biochemical conversions, thermochemical conversions, engineering reactions or separations, and solids-handling processes needed for biorefining applications.

The C2B2 REU program is a 10-week summer program of research, educational seminars and cultural programming. All of the program’s features were piloted during the 2008 and 2009 summer programs, which served a combined 28 undergraduate researchers. Students performed research in laboratories at CU, CSU, Mines and NREL.

 An additional focus of the REU program will be integration among research disciplines and among the four C2B2 institutions. “The program structure has been specifically designed to allow students to experience a cross-disciplinary environment in which to investigate problems that require collaboration to make meaningful progress,” said C2B2 Executive Director Alan Weimer, a professor in CU-Boulder’s chemical and biological engineering departmentWeimer.

REU undergraduates conduct hands-on laboratory research with professional researchers at CU, CSU, Mines and NREL. Additionally, participants are advised by professional scientists, faculty and graduate mentors, engage in weekly research group meetings and participate in site visits to each C2B2 institution for seminars and other peer presentation forums. 

The Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels (C2B2) exists to improve fundamental understanding and develop new technologies in areas relevant to the future commercialization of integrated, sustainable biorefining and biofuels processes.   C2B2 is a research center of the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory and is supported by state, institutional, and industry funds. C2B2’s partner institutions include University of Colorado (CU), Colorado State University (CSU), Colorado School of Mines (CSM), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).  Research thrusts include:

  • Feedstock Engineering, Plant Biotechnology & Crop Science
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Thermochemical Engineering
  • Process Engineering
  • Product Engineering
  • System Assessment and Analysis  READ MORE and MORE

Delaware

Delaware State University B.S. Environmental Science Environmental science has emerged as a critical discipline in the 21st century — and Delaware State boasts a superior Bachelor of Environmental Science degree program. As a land-grant institution, we have a 100-plus-year history of leadership in environmental science education. Our environmental science program builds on that tradition, preparing students for careers that address issues such as

  • Global Climate Change
  • Biofuels and Renewable Energy
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Water and Soil Conservation
  • Environmental Policy
  • Habitat and Species Protection READ MORE

University of Delaware, Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Ph.D., M.S. and B.S. Energy and Environmental Policy Established in 1980 at the University of Delaware, the Center is a leading institution for interdisciplinary graduate education, research, and advocacy in energy and environmental policy.

The Energy and Environmental Policy (ENEP) degree is administered by the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, which is internationally recognized for its work in this field. Its director, Dr. John Byrne, shares the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with the authors and review editors of the International Panel on Climate Change. The major offers an exciting opportunity for students to prepare for academic and professional careers in the high-demand fields of energy, environment, sustainable development and climate change.

Sample project: BIOENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Sponsor: Blue Moon Fund, others. The project evaluates strategies that feature bio-gasification and anaerobic digester technology on a small scale to meet local rural energy needs in a sustainable manner. READ MORE

Florida

Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels The Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels was established in January 2002 with the primary goal of facilitating research and graduate education throughout the Florida State University System in the multi-disciplinary areas of renewable chemicals and fuels. The Center provides a vehicle to solve new technological challenges, serves as a forum to foster productive interactions among faculty and students, assists faculty in the development of competitive research grants, and increases the visibility of this important activity at the state and national levels.

FCRC promotes a new concept in Florida with broad implications at the national and international levels – the creation of biorefineries that use renewable products from agriculture as feedstocks to replace petroleum-based products. The ultimate vision of the center is to be independent of fossils as the sole source of energy and chemical needs, and at the same time achieve economic and environmental stability, and national energy security.

The Center is currently located at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, Microbiology and Cell Science Department. P. O. Box 110700, Gainesville, FL. 32611-0700 | Tel: (352) 392-0237 | Fax: (352)392-5922 | Email: spgomez@ufl.edu READ MORE

University of Florida,  Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy  The mission of the Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy  is to develop energy efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies and practices, educate the public regarding energy and environmental technologies and trade-offs, and inform the larger policy debate on urgent, global issues of sustainable energy and environment. Improve Florida and U.S. energy security by developing indigenous and environmentally sustainable energy resources while promoting energy policies that have a positive impact on Florida’s unique environment. 

Among the various renewable energy resources (biomass, solid waste, landfill gas, solar, geothermal, wind, and hydropower) Florida leads the nation in plant biomass. Most of Florida biomass is in the form of grasses, trees, sugar cane, and assorted crop residues, citrus pulp, etc. With this biomass resource, Florida has the opportunity to produce more automotive fuel than it consumes and to lead the nation in the production of renewable fuels.  READ MORE

UF has extensive experience in biomass energy technologies and has established centers and laboratories to strengthen the research. These include:

  • The Bioprocess Engineering Research Laboratory (BERL) has a sustained research program on biogasification of biomass. Technologies such as SOLCON and SEBAC processes were developed by BERL.
  • The Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology Laboratory (BEST) conducts basic and applied research on environmental biotechnology, with particular emphasis on anaerobic microbiology and the practical application of anaerobic digestion technology for renewable energy production from biomass and organic residues.
  • The Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels was established in January 2002 with the primary goal of facilitating research and graduate education throughout the State University System in the multi-disciplinary areas of renewable chemicals and fuels that use products from agriculture as feedstocks to replace petroleum-based products. The research performed at the center has already resulted in patents, licenses and sublicenses to small and large corporations which are actively engaged in commercialization activities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. (See above)

Florida State University, Institute for Energy Systems, Economics and Sustainability Joel Kostka Laboratory, Tallahassee      The Kostka Laboratory combines cutting-edge microbiology/ molecular biology with biogeochemistry to quantify the role of microorganisms in ecosystem function. Our research is heavily field oriented and spans from coastal marine ecosystems to the terrestrial subsurface. Projects include the biogeochemical cycles of natural and contaminated environments.  READ MORE

The SABER working group at the IESES will focus on the development of bioenergy products from marine algae. Center activities include both fundamental research and technology assessment (sustainability and policy implications). Fundamental research will initially address the efficient conversion of marine algal biomass to ethanol in the areas of feedstock development, biomass depolymerization, and biofuels production.  READ MORE

Georgia

University of Georgia: Biofuels, Biopower, and Biomaterials Initiative (B3I) UGA’s Biofuels, Biopower, and Biomaterials Initiative (B3I) unites the University’s legacies in agriculture, forestry, environmental science and engineering with its strengths in carbohydrate science, genetics and microbiology to provide a scientific and practical foundation to support an economic and sustainable bioenergy future.   READ MORE

The University of Georgia Biorefining and Carbon Cycling Program is a key piece of this Bioenergy initiative; a collection of faculty and staff members from varied disciplines and representing colleges and departments within the UGA campus.The program is dedicated to research, development, and demonstration of biomass conversion technologies through the concept of the Integrated Biorefinery.  READ MORE

The University of Georgia is positioned uniquely to play a major role in working to make the biomass-based economy a reality. Among its key strengths are [1] a world recognized, well connected Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, [2] a well integrated cooperative extension service that has over a century of experience working closely with agriculture, [3] a wide range of scientists and educators in the basic sciences and engineering, and [4] an excellent assemblage of graduate students training to be leaders in the biomass-based world economy.

  • Research to understand biomass, processes and products.
  • Development and testing of technology for a biobased industry.
  • Technology transfer within Georgia and around the world—working with industries, government agencies and the community at large.
  • Educational programming that provides unique, pertinent and comprehensive training and educational experiences—thus preparing the workforce of the 21st century biomass economy.
  • Degree programs in varied disciplines including: Engineering, Forestry, Ecology, Biology, Biochemistry.    READ MORE

University of Hawaii – Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI)    The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute was established in 1974, a few months after an oil embargo by the OPEC oil cartel triggered economic and political chaos in the United States and the rest of the industrialized world. Countries that depended on imported petroleum were suddenly hostage to the oil producers, and weakened economically by the inflation caused by the rise in oil prices.

HNEI refined its research focus to initiate efforts in biofuels, ocean resources, materials applications, and various interdisciplinary programs, while continuing its emphasis on energy-related research and development, particularly hydrogen. HNEI has also continued its biomass research, primarily in the gasification of biomass into fuels, chemicals, and other products.  READ MORE

A wide variety of research is underway in the Biomass and Fuels Processing Laboratory, including activities in biomass resource assessment, thermochemical conversion of biomass, evaluation of energy conversion and utilization processes, and reforming of transition fuels for the hydrogen economy.

The Renewable Resources Research Laboratory (R3Lab) is a center for the development of processes for the production of hydrogen and ethanol from biomass. It also pursues biocarbons (charcoal) as an important research focus.

Idaho

University of Idaho B.S. Biological & Agricultural Engineering Since 1889, the University of Idaho has been a place that expects more from itself, more from its students, more from knowledge and more from life.

We offer a distinctive combination of outstanding majors and graduate programs, accomplished faculty, world-class facilities, renowned research and a residential campus in a spectacular natural setting. It’s no wonder we’re ranked among the top national universities in the country (U.S. News & World Report). We’re also one of the best values in higher education (The Princeton Review).

Biological and agricultural engineers understand the interrelationships between technology and living systems – talents needed for current and future engineering positions. Engineers who understand these interrelationships have a wide variety of employment options. Graduates will find career opportunities such as emerging technologies such as biofuels. READ MORE

Illinois

University of Illinois Bioenergy Master’s Degree Interest in bioenergy and renewable energy sources continues to increase and now students can earn a Master of Science degree in bioenergy from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The new Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree is a non-thesis program that allows students to receive training in bioenergy subjects, while gaining relevant professional experience in business classes and an internship.

“Bioenergy is an exciting career area, which is part of the new and emerging bioeconomy. I’m looking forward to working with students to explore this rapidly changing field of study,” said Dr. Hans Blaschek, Director of the U of I’s Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research and student advisor for the Bioenergy PSM.

The bioenergy PSM allows students to choose from four specialty areas: 1. plants, soils, and feedstocks; 2. bioenergy production, processing, and use; 3. environment, economics, and policy & law; 4. bioenergy tools and methods.

Two new classes in bioenergy have been created for University of Illinois students and will be mandatory for PSM students. Topics in those classes include agronomics and improvements needed for crops and biomass feedstocks, land use, biochemical and chemical processes, use of biofuels, other uses for biomass, applications of computational tools, such as modeling, simulation and GIS, environmental impacts and sustainability, energy fundamentals, economics and legal, political and societal issues.

Prospective students should have a baccalaureate degree in a recognized field of biological, physical, agricultural, socio-economic, or engineering science. READ MORE

Energy Biosciences Institute at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne See description under California above.

Illinois State University, Department of Technology B.S. Program, Renewable Energy Major Students will be able to choose between two tracks – a technology track or an economics/public policy track. Graduates will be prepared for jobs in the fields of biofuels, wind and solar energy, or regulatory and governmental agencies.

The Renewable Energy program is designed to prepare students to enter an emerging field with employment opportunities across a variety of industries including biofuels, solar, wind, regulatory and government agencies. Graduates are expected to be conversant in diverse disciplines, including technical, managerial, political, and economic issues important to renewable energy. READ MORE

University of Illinois – Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research (CABER)  The Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research (CABER) works closely with the nine UIUC colleges, multiple disciplinary and professional units and faculty and students to provide a facilitative structure for campus outreach, teaching and research in areas related to bioenergy systems. CABER facilitates the development of cross-disciplinary research and development, education and outreach programs that promote the greater and more efficient use of bio-renewable resources, and, more specifically, support the emergence of advanced bio-fuels and chemicals. CABER focuses on sustainable bioenergy systems, including plant, microbial, downstream processing and economics and policy issues as they relate to bio-based products.   READ MORE

Indiana

Purdue University – Energy Center at Discovery Park    The Energy Center at Discovery Park will facilitate high-impact, multidisciplinary projects in support of Purdue’s vision to be one of the global leaders in energy. The Energy Center (EC) was officially launched in August of 2005 with $2.5 million in start-up funds made available from the January 2005 Lilly Endowment grant for expanding Discovery Park.   The EC launched with nine major research initiatives and an Executive Board of 21 faculty members, each assigned to a particular area of responsibility for advancing the EC agenda. Seventy-five (75) faculty members signed the original EC proposal. Currently approximately 185 faculty and staff members representing nine colleges, Purdue and Discovery Park administration as well as Purdue Physical Facilities are actively engaged in Energy Center activities.

The Energy Center partners with over 80 faculty from 4 colleges and 23 departments in a comprehensive approach to bioenergy research. Policy, economics, and environmental impacts are considered in concert with new technology development. Purdue Discovery Park’s Bindley Biosciences and Birck Nanotechnology Centers along with the Laboratory of Renewable Resource Engineering (LORRE) provide leading edge analytical capabilities in support of the Energy Center’s mission of facilitating large, multi-year, interdisciplinary research proposals.   READ MORE

Iowa

Iowa Central Community College Associates Degree, Biofuels Technology

Iowa Central is dedicated to bringing you the very best when it comes to a quality educational experience. We have experienced faculty members who are dedicated to student instruction and advising, and we have a biotechnology and biofuels technology teaching laboratory equipped with the latest in technology for giving you a real hands-on experience.

The A.A.S. Biofuels Technology program offers extensive training that provides our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become employed in the biofuels industry. The program emphasizes the development of analytical laboratory skills and the skills necessary to operate and maintain mechanical systems. READ MORE

Iowa State University’s Bioeconomy Initiative The Bioeconomy Institute (BEI) is an outgrowth of the Bioeconomy Initiative — a campuswide effort, launched in 2002, to investigate the use of biorenewable resources as sustainable feedstocks for producing chemicals, fuels, materials, and energy. Today,  the BEI has over 160 faculty affiliated members who contribute to the Bioeconomy Initiative with over $51 million in cumulative sponsored research funding from industry and federal agencies ranging from the Department of Agriculture to the National Science Foundation.

Like many land-grant institutions, Iowa State’s faculty has been engaged for many years in both fundamental and applied research projects related to biorenewable resources and biobased products. What distinguishes ISU is its early recognition that single objective, single investigator approaches to problems in this field have stymied progress toward commercialization of biobased technologies. The BEI was established to provide cohesion among the diverse efforts in biorenewable resources on campus and to encourage collaboration among departments, colleges, and research units. To date, the BEI has engaged 29 departments in all seven colleges and 20 research centers and institutes. READ MORE

Iowa State University M.S., Ph.D, Biorenewable Resources Iowa State University recently established the first graduate program in biorenewable resources in the United States. While other universities offer certificate programs or minor programs related to biobased products and bioenergy, ISU offers M.S. and Ph.D degrees in this new field, as well as, a minor for students obtaining degrees in other majors.

The Biorenewable Resources and Technology program offers students from a wide variety of science and engineering backgrounds advanced study in the use of plant- and crop-based resources for the production of biobased products, including fuels, chemicals, materials, and energy. Program Areas include Feedstock Production; Harvest, Storage, and Transportation of Biomass; Advanced Corn-to-Biofuels; Soybean Biorefinery; Thermochemical,; Biorenewable Chemicals. READ MORE

Maharishi University of Management In 1973, Parson’s College closed in Fairfield, Iowa, and its million-square-foot campus went up for sale. With the help of private benefactors, Maharishi International University purchased the campus and moved in during the summer of 1974.  The next several years were a time of rapid expansion. MIU was accredited by the Higher Learning Commissions of the North Central Association, the oldest and largest accrediting body in the United States.

The first Ph.D. programs began to be offered in 1979. At the same time, more and more research was being published that documented the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique for academic study and all areas of life.  In addition to an undergraduate degree in sustainable living, the university offers an MBA in Sustainable Business which covers five key areas: Self Sustainability – develops your inner potential and leadership abilities through consciousness-Based education; Sustainable Entrepreneurship -focuses on creating successful green businesses that produce real value for society; Sustainable Business Solutions -provides the knowledge and skills needed for transforming and managing businesses for lasting sustainability; Sustainable Management -emphasizes the people and organizational skills needed for managing projects and operations; Sustainable Living – provides advanced knowledge and experience in renewable energy, organic agriculture, and the other principal fields of sustainable living.   READ MORE

Kentucky

University of Kentucky – Center for Applied Energy Research   The Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) is one of the University of Kentucky’s multidisciplinary research centers. Its energy research provides a focal point for coal and environmental research in Kentucky. Research efforts are directed to: coal cleaning, beneficiation, utilization, and conversion process technologies. Environmental issues relating to fuel use and coal combustion by-products constitute a major effort, along with the derivation of high added-value materials and chemicals from energy resources. The CAER is a non-academic unit that is staffed by professional scientists and engineers, has extensive interactions with faculty members and students, and provides analytical services for outside organizations.   Sample research includes:

The National Science Foundation has awarded several UK entities $1,984,322 through its EFRI (Office of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation) program. Project investigators include: Rodney Andrews, Mark Crocker, Samuel Morton (CAER), Mark Meier (Chemistry), Seth DeBolt (Horticulture), and Mike Montross (Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering). Titled “Lignin Deconstruction for the Production of Liquid Fuels,” the project’s goals are to investigate the high capacity processes required for the production of hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass.   READ MORE

Louisiana

Louisiana State University – LSU AgCenter – Bioenergy   The LSU AgCenter is engaged in a broad array of bioenergy/biofuels research and extension activities across Louisiana. With the goal of identifying and evaluating bioenergy production technologies and opportunities that can be economically feasible in Louisiana on a commercial scale, research activities of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES) are focused in two basic areas: (1) feedstock development and evaluation and (2) feedstock processing and bioenergy production.  The LSU AgCenter has received the go-ahead from the Board of Regents to begin establishing the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing.    READ MORE

Sample research projects can be found here.

Gulfsouth Youth BioDiesel Project The Gulfsouth Youth BioDIesel Project engages, empowers and inspires youth involvement in community development, social entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility through Green Collar job training in which youth ages 14 to 25 learn the ins and outs of how to turn raw organic materials into eco-friendly alternative fuels.

Building upon Operation REACH, Inc.’s 10-year history of successful community education serving youth and families, the Gulfsouth Youth Biodiesel Project engages young participants in a valuable, hands–on learning experience that teaches them the processes involved the production of cleaner-burning biofuels. Participants get valuable training that empowers them to make a positive impact in their community by coordinating with a variety of stakeholders – including restaurants, universities, truck drivers, farmers and fishermen – to create a viable biodiesel project.

The program also fills a critical need for developing job skills among urban youth for the growing 21st century green economy. Youth involved with the program gain valuable skills, ranging from leadership and business savvy to mechanics, chemistry and engineering. Young people will learn the chemistry and engineering required in alternative fuel production, the mechanics of diesel engines, and the environmental impacts of both eco-friendly biofuels and traditional petroleum-based fuels.

Participants recruit and secure commitments from local restaurants, caterers and cafeterias to provide used cooking oil – the primary ingredient in biofuels – to the project. Suppliers are equipped with GYBP barrels that youth and their adult supervisors pick up regularly. For their tax-deductible contributions, suppliers are publicly recognized as supporters of a greener Gulfsouth.

Youth participants in the project meet regularly to conduct planning and receive training on relevant components of the program, including the basics of biodiesel production and its impact, leadership, business development, management, sales and marketing. In addition to regular planning and training meetings, young people garner skills through hands-on participation in the enterprise from mentors, teachers and supervisors involved directly in the project. Under the direction of trained professionals, youth participants convert the used cooking oil into eco-friendly biofuel. All proceeds from the sale of fuel produced by the Gulfsouth Youth Biodiesel Project will fund Operation REACH’s mission to engage, empower and inspire children, youth and families to reach their highest potential. READ MORE and MORE

Maine

University of Maine -  UMaine’s Forest Bioproducts Research Initiative   The University of Maine (UMaine) offers a research and educational NSF funded program to a diverse pool of undergraduates interested in research connected to sustainable forest bio-products development.  UMe’s Forest Bioproducts Research Initiative (FBRI) is a multidisciplinary research institute that includes faculty from chemical and biological engineering, chemistry, forestry, molecular biology, resource economics and wood science and technology. Other campus research centers that support the REU program include the Pulp and Paper Process Development Center, the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, and the Cooperative Forestry Research Unit.   Sample research includes:  The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded more than $712,000 to chemical and biological engineering professors Peter van Walsum and Clay Wheeler for a three-year project to create a high-quality transportation fuel from renewable biomass resources.  READ MORE

Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts Amherst  Department of Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences Campus researchers are planting crops that can be used to make biofuels on land in the Pioneer Valley that is not suitable for food production. The project is a cooperative effort with UMass Extension and several state agencies seeking to develop a sustainable fuel crop in Massachusetts.

Crop trials will be managed by the Department of Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences under the direction of research professors Stephen Herbert and Om Parkash, and weed extension specialist Randall Prostak.  Crops will be grown at the Research and Education Center trial crop farm in Deerfield, and at eight privately owned farms in the Pioneer Valley. Including private farms in the project will provide the researchers with information on how the crops fare in different locations and soil types, and interest local farmers in growing biofuels crops.   READ MORE

University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is a dynamic Department offering a highly-rated undergraduate program and a vibrant graduate research program that balances chemical engineering fundamentals with industrial technology. From our beginnings in the 1950s, the Department has educated distinguished scholars and technical leaders. Today, our faculty is recognized for its technological innovation and contributions to engineering sciences in the fields of fluid mechanics and transport phenomena, scientific computing, bioengineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy. READ MORE and MORE

Massachusetts Institute of Technology B.S. minor in Energy Studies The Energy Studies Minor for undergraduates is an Institute-wide program that complements the deep expertise obtained in any major with a broad understanding of the interlinked realms of science, technology, and social sciences as they relate to energy and associated environmental challenges. The minor curriculum integrates these three domains in a thoroughly multidisciplinary program. A faculty oversight committee including representatives from all five Schools oversees the Energy Studies Minor program.

The Energy Studies curriculum has two components.

  • · The first is a core that provides an integrated perspective on energy and associated environmental challenges in three domains, each with a primary focus: Energy Science Foundations (fundamental laws and principles that govern energy sources, conversion, and uses), Social Science Foundations of Energy (social scientific perspectives and tools that explain human behavior in the energy context), and Energy Technology / Engineering in Context (the application of laws and principles to a specific energy context).
  • · The second component is a customized program of electives that is selected by each student in close consultation with Energy Minor faculty advisors. READ MORE

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Certificate) Biofuels from Biomass: Technology and Policy Considerations     To have a measurable impact on energy security, greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate the food-fuel competition, biofuel production must use renewable cellulosic biomass as feedstock. This biofuels course will examine state of the art technologies aiming at cost effective biomass conversion along with economics, environmental impact, and policy issues. Both biological and thermochemical methods for the conversion of biomass to biofuels are considered. The course will be of value to individual engineers and scientists interested in the technologies of the developing field of biofuels, as well as managers and policymakers.   READ MORE

Michigan

Michigan State University Office of Biobased Technologies Michigan State’s Office of Biobased Technology aims to integrate innovations in the lab with advances in the marketplace to enhance the economy, the environment, and the quality of life in Michigan and around the globe.  “There is more to the bioeconomy than just fuel,” says Steven Pueppke, director of OBT. “The bioeconomy is about making crop plants more valuable and providing consumers with products from renewable resources.”   READ MORE

Michigan State University Biomass Conversion Research Laboratory The mission of the Biomass Conversion Research Laboratory at Michigan State University is to develop cost effective and environmentally attractive means of generating fuels, chemicals, materials, foods and feeds from renewable plant biomass. We seek to shift the raw material basis of modern society away from excessive dependence on fossil resources, particularly petroleum, and toward biomass. As a global society, one of our greatest economic and environmental risks is our near total reliance on petroleum as a source of liquid transportation fuels. Obviously, the BCRL has chosen no small mission. But we do not believe it is “mission impossible”. In fact, the mission is completely possible. 

Sample Areas of Research: Overcoming Biomass Recalcitrance, Coproducing Food and Fuel, Biorefinery Approach, Sustainability Analyses. READ MORE

Minnesota

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Nine colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system will begin offering a two-year degree program fall 2009 that prepares students to work either in the renewable energy or traditional energy industries.  Development of the new associate degree program is funded mostly with a three-year, $1 million High Growth Job Training Initiative grant from the U. S. Department of Labor.

Besides the energy technical specialist degree, students will be able to earn a 16-credit certificate in one of four specialties – ethanol production, biodiesel production, wind turbine maintenance, and solar energy assessment. The certificate programs, which can be completed in as little as one semester, will be available online.

The colleges offering the new degree are

  • Alexandria Technical College,
  • Century College,
  • Minnesota West Community and Technical College,
  • South Central College,
  • St. Cloud Technical College and
  • four colleges of the Northeast Higher Education District -
    • Hibbing Community College,
    • Itasca Community College,
    • Mesabi Range Community and Technical College and
    • Vermilion College.

These nine colleges and the Northeast Higher Education District’s Rainy River Community College make up the Minnesota Training Partnership for a Sustainable Energy Economy. Partnering state-run WorkForce Centers will help recruit students and place graduates in jobs.   READ MORE

University of Minnesota College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences CFANS is a college devoted to solution-driven science. We study the health of the land and the health of the living. We ensure the safety of the food and water supply. We strive to improve our economy, foster job creation, strengthen our agricultural and natural resource-based industries and enhance the social fabric of communities.  We care about having enough food and worry that some may have too much food. We turn biomass into products including biofuels and many other products society depends upon.  We work with molecules, microbes, plants, and animals in the water, on the land, and in the sky. In doing so, we interact closely with our citizenry. We use critical and innovative thinking plus all the tools of the arts and sciences to make our planet a productive, friendly, and sustainable environment—to solve everyday problems.

And most of all we engage and motivate students of all ages in an exemplary fashion about why understanding basic mechanisms can lead to applied solutions to society’s current and future challenges, many of which are issues of food, agriculture, and natural resources. Solution-Driven Science reinforces and renews our land grant heritage.  READ MORE

Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Granite Falls Campus Associates Degree, Renewable Energy, Biofuel Concentration Minnesota West Community and Technical College has five campuses and four learning centers located in beautiful southwest Minnesota. Thousands of wind turbines dot the landscape along the Buffalo Ridge, which runs through Minnesota West’s service area. Minnesota West is a national leader in renewable and sustainable energy programs.

The college offers more than 60 majors in technical and liberal arts areas. Situated in a rural setting, Minnesota West boasts activities for both cultural and outdoor enthusiasts. Unique programs: Agriculture, biotechnology lab technician, biofuels technology, power sports, wind energy technology. READ MORE

Mississippi

Mississippi State University The Sustainable Energy Research Center (SERC) was established in January 2006 at Mississippi State University (MSU) through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

SERC was formed to create an infrastructure for coordinated interdisciplinary collaboration at MSU in the development of environmentally and economically sustainable energy sources specific to the Southeastern United States.

SERC serves as a conduit for the development of integrated research and educational programs at MSU. The Center is also a catalyst for forging partnerships among academia, business, and the U.S. government. READ MORE and MORE

Missouri

Crowder College, Neosho, Missouri – Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology Center Biofuel Associates of Arts Degree; Biofuel, Biogas, Bioethanol, Biodiesel Certificates

Following decades of success in solar energy projects, the Missouri Legislature designated Crowder College in 1992 as the State’s renewable energy education center. The resulting Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology (MARET) Center is recognized internationally for its contributions to the energy field.

The mission of the MARET Center is to expand renewable energy throughout the region with education, applied research, and economic development. Educational programs include certification and transfer degrees encompassing green construction, solar thermal energy, solar electricity, wind, and bio fuels. The MARET Center also assists in new product development and other business support services in renewable energy.

Crowder College is the first community college in the country to offer a Biofuel degree. Additionally the college has added four Biofuel related certificates. Below are the degree and certificates – be sure to check with an advisor for the latest degree requirements and offerings. READ MORE

Montana

Montana State University A significant fraction of energy research at MSU is focused on biofuels. Biofuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, are derived from grains, seeds and other biological matter. Theoretically, burning biofuels rather than fossil fuels contributes less carbon to the atmosphere because the plants used to produce the biofuel absorbed carbon from the air during their lives. MSU’s research aims at making biofuels more efficient and cost effective from both the industrial and agricultural points of view.  Sample research:  MSU receives $2 million to further study diesel-producing South American fungus – 2009-12-28 – MSU has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to expand its study of Gliocladium roseum, a fungus that naturally produces compounds like those found in diesel fuel.  READ MORE

MSU Web sites:

  • Agricultural Marketing Policy Center’s Issue Papers — Papers 16 and 19, specifically, were written by MSU agricultural economists Joel Schumacher and Vince Smith on the subject of biodiesel subsidies and oilseed markets. Both subjects have implications for the way oilseed crops are grown in Montana.
  • Central Agricultural Research Center — Located near Moccasin, Mont., the Central Agricultural Research Center is home to scientists looking into hay, straw and silage as alternative sources of ethanol
  • MSU Biobased Institute — The MSU Biobased Institute finds ways to improve the profitability of Montana agriculture by enhancing production and developing new applications and products that are suitable for Montana.
  • Western Agricultural Research Center — The mission of the Western Agricultural Research Center, located in Corvallis, Mont., is to apply research to the problems facing agricultural production. Scientists at this experiment station are looking into flax seeds and their oil as a potential source of biofuel.

New Jersey

Princeton University B.S. , M.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton is a dynamic and growing department. Its research and teaching address broad questions associated with the built environment, the natural environment, and interactions between the two, with an evolving emphasis on sustainability.

Sample Research Opportunity for Undergraduates: “Assessment of Biomass-Related Energy Technologies and Systems”. Contribute to a major research effort focusing on various aspects of the production and use of biomass (wood, other plant material, municipal solid waste, etc.) as a renewable energy source. The work includes: engineering assessments of advanced technologies for converting biomass into fluid fuels and electricity; analysis relating to land use for biomass production; and assessment of ecosystem impacts of large-scale biomass production. READ MORE

Rutgers Waksman Institute of Microbiology Three plant biologists at Rutgers’ Waksman Institute of Microbiology are obsessed with duckweed, a tiny aquatic plant with an unassuming name. They have even convinced the federal government to focus its attention on duckweed’s tremendous potential for cleaning up pollution, combating global warming and feeding the world. …  According to the researchers, duckweed plants can extract nitrogen and phosphate pollutants from agricultural and municipal wastewater. They can reduce algae growth, coliform bacterial counts and mosquito larvae on ponds, while concentrating heavy metals, capturing or degrading toxic chemicals, and encourage the growth of other aquatic animals such as frogs and fowl. These plants produce biomass faster than any other flowering plant, serve as high-protein feed for domestic animals and show clear potential as an alternative for biofuel production.  READ MORE and MORE

Rutgers University – Agricultural Experiment Station   The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. Through its Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, 4-H agents, Extension specialists, Family & Community Health Sciences educators, and Agricultural and Resource Management agents work to serve New Jersey residents in every area of the state. In addition, nine off-campus centers focus on research that supports local agriculture and food-related businesses, and 10 centers and institutes on the George H. Cook Campus engage in world-class research that provides solutions for the problems facing New Jersey residents.   READ MORE

New Mexico

Sustainable Technologies Center at Santa Fe (NM) Community College The Sustainable Technologies Center (STC) at Santa Fe Community College integrates 21st century trades with advanced technologies and “green” curricula to promote a sustainability economy. The STC will work with community, state and national partners to further develop and expand the renewable energy industry cluster in the Santa Fe region while being recognized as a state, regional and national resource.   READ MORE and MORE

New York

Cornell University’s Biofuels Research Laboratory In January 2009, researchers from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering began using the space, which was funded by a $10 million grant from the Empire State Development Corp. and replaces an agricultural engineering power and machinery lab in Riley Robb Hall. The Cornell team focuses on the creation of cellulosic ethanol — a process that frees sugars from perennial grasses and woody biomass and biologically converts them into fuel.  “The highlight of the new lab is that multiple departments and multiple colleges are using it,” Walker said. “That’s been the underlying philosophy from the very beginning.”  READ MORE and MORE

Northeast Regional Center for the Sun Grant Initiative at Cornell University The Northeast Sun Grant is funding eight research and development projects beginning in 2007, through a competitive grants program.  The research portfolio contains experiments in the areas of feedstock development, bio-conversion processes, systems analysis, economics, environment and policy.  Funded projects include:

Morrisville State College, NY Associate Degree, Renewable Energy The A.A.S. degree program in Renewable Energy Technology prepares students to become entry-level installers and service technicians for small renewable energy systems, including small wind, solar photovoltaics, solar hot water, micro hydroelectric, and biofuels systems. This flexible program is designed to give students opportunities to choose coursework that supports their intended career path in renewable energy. READ MORE

SUNY–Environmental Science and Forestry Certificate of Advanced Study in Bioprocessing   Join us for the 2010-11 Advanced Certificate in Bioprocessing. This graduate-level program, created in 2004, is a State University of New York (SUNY), in partnership with the Central New York Biotechnology Research Center (CNY BRC) and New York State Education Department approved certificate.

The Bioprocessing Certificate is designed around a focused, advanced, and practical education in the knowledge and skills of bioprocessing, along with consideration and commitment to a support structure for program participants.

With minimal interruption to their lives and work, professionals in the program spend ten months strengthening bioprocessing knowledge and skills and engaging with faculty and other participants from a range of academic science and engineering backgrounds while retaining their jobs, staying on career trajectories, and enhancing their professional networks.  New for 2010-11: A biofuels track option.    READ MORE

North Carolina

Duke University, North Carolina   Climate Change Policy Partnership   Participants: The CCPP leverages the resources of Duke University. The three primary participants in the project from Duke are two interdisciplinary centers—the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Solutions and the Center on Global Change—and the Nicholas School of the Environment. Our corporate partners play an important role, lending their expertise to help develop research projects, providing valuable feedback on the technical and economic issues, and providing the funds necessary to conduct the research. Current corporate partners include Duke Energy, ConocoPhillips and MeadWestvaco.   READ MORE

North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences   Using everything from switchgrass to agricultural waste, scientists in NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are developing ways to convert biomass into clean-burning alternative fuels. The college plays a key role in the state’s Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership, with a new demonstration farm in Duplin County and a pilot processing plant under development in Raleigh. We’re also committed to delivering science to the public, connecting farmers, business owners and leaders across the state with research-based information that could help make North Carolina a top producer of alternative energy.  READ MORE

Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina Undergraduate Program in Appropriate Technology Consistently ranked among the top 15 southern regional universities since 1986, Appalachian offers a variety of academic programs and campus activities to challenge you; all located in a unique mountain setting.

The concentration in Appropriate Technology provides the most general technological background that the technology department offers.  Students will develop knowledge and skill in many technological areas; including drafting and design, wood and metal working, computers, architecture, construction, graphic arts as well as renewable energy technologies,  energy efficient solar building design and construction,  waste management, research methods and  contemporary technological problems facing society.  This background would be useful in many fields of endeavor.

Concentration Classes include:

  • Renewable Electricity
  • Sustainable Building Design & Construction
  • Solar Thermal Technology
  • Contemporary Problems in Appropriate Technology
  • Sustainable Transportation
  • Sustainable Resource Management
  • Environmental Physics
  • Introduction to Sustainable Development
  • Society & Technology
  • Environmental Economics
  • Intro to Agroecology
  • Building Science
  • Sustainable Development READ MORE

Central Carolina Community College Since 2002, CCCC has been a leader in Biofuels education on the east coast. CCCC offers workshops, continuing education, and curriculum programs to suit the needs of students and industry. CCCC’s focus on sustainable fuel production is at the heart of the program, offering students the opportunity to learn responsible and sustainable fuel production practices.

Fall 2008 CCCC began offering an associate degree in Alternative Energy Technology: Biofuels. This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed for a career in the growing biofuels industry.

The program has been designed to utilize CCCC’s comprehensive biofuels testing lab and production lab to educate students in a wide variety of industry skills.

With support from NC BioNetwork and the NC General Assembly CCCC has constructed a biofuels testing lab capable of performing analysis of:

  • Flash Point
  • Free & Total Glycerin
  • Kinematic Viscosity
  • Water & Sediment
  • Copper Corrosion
  • Sulfated Ash
  • Blend Percentage
  • Specific Gravity
  • Cloud Point
  • Cold Soak
  • Bound Moisture
  • Oxidative Stability
  • Carbon Residue
  • Methanol Content
  • Acid Number
  • Ethanol Content

With support from the North Carolina Biofuels Center CCCC is currently constructing a pilot scale plant capable of producing both biodiesel and ethanol from various feedstocks. The plant will be designed to produce fuel in a variety of ways to suit training needs. The production facility will also include a oilseed crushing facility and side stream management equipment. The fuel produced in the lab will be used to run college vehicles and equipment. READ MORE

North Carolina’s Southeastern Community College North Carolina’s traditional tobacco farms are switching to other crops, so the state’s Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, has initiated a program to educate farmers on the ins-and-outs of biodiesel manufacturing, anticipating producers will be growing more oilseeds in the future. Southeastern Community College will be using a mobile biodiesel processor built by Jerome, Arizona-based Verde Biofuel for this program.  READ MORE

Biofuels Center of North Carolina,  Oxford, NC    In 2007, the North Carolina General Assembly had the foresight and vision to create the Biofuels Center so that the state’s farmers, forestry industry, biofuels manufacturers, biofuels workers and consumers will benefit from this new multimillion dollar home-grown industry.

The Biofuels Center is charged with charting North Carolina’s path toward liquid fuels energy independence. The Center works with a wide range of constituents, from academics and scientists, farmers and industry, the forestry sector, to public policy makers and consumers.  Its mission is to facilitate and support the development of a sustainable biofuels industry in the state.  The Center is a state-funded, private, not-for-profit.

Sample Grants include: 

  • $171,293  /  Energy Canes: Ideal Fuelstocks for NC’s Diverse Energy Needs  /  North Carolina State University Mountain Horticulture Crops  /  Mills River
  • $108,800  /  Algae Downstream Processes Automated for Commercialization  /  Cape Fear Resource Conservation & Development, Inc.  /  Wilmington
  • $129,133 /  Extraction and Refinement of Oils from Biodiesel Feedstocks  /  Appalachian State University  /  Boone
  • $194,375  /  Canola Production, Processing, and Market Development for Biodiesel  /  North Carolina Solar Center  /  Raleigh   READ MORE

North Dakota

University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center International, Center for Applied Energy Technology, Centers for Renewable Energy and Biomass Utilization The production of fuels from agricultural products is paramount to the national security of the United States and is a value-added opportunity for North Dakota agriculture producers.

Areas of EERC Expertise

* Development of new tactical fuels for the U.S. Department of Defense, including a renewable domestic jet fuel to replace the current JP-8 jet fuel
* Biodiesel production and value-added ultrahigh cetane diesel additives
* Ethanol production from corn and cellulosic materials
* Conversion of biomass feedstocks into other valuable fuels and chemicals such as ethanol, methanol, dimethyl ether, and Fischer-Tropsch distillates using thermochemical processing

Related Program:  The EERC National Alternative Fuels Laboratory (NAFL®) builds collaborations with industry to overcome technical, economic, and social barriers to commercial utilization of alternative fuels. NAFL has been working for the past 18 years developing essential technologies to produce economical fuels and chemicals from renewable agricultural resources.  READ MORE

University of North Dakota -  The Centers for Renewable Energy and Biomass Utilization    The Centers for Renewable Energy and Biomass Utilization are a designated Center of Excellence located at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) on the University of North Dakota (UND) campus.  The Centers conduct critical research, development, demonstration, and commercial deployment of technologies utilizing biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric energy sources. The Centers also aid in the development of technologies focused on energy efficiency.  Sample research includes:  EERC Awarded Subcontract to Help Produce 100% Renewable Jet Fuel from Algae The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota has been awarded a subcontract by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI], a Fortune 500 scientific, engineering, and technology applications company based in San Diego.   READ MORE

Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Today, the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station (OAES) stands as the research leg of the three agency group comprising the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources which also includes teaching (the College) and outreach (Cooperative Extension).  Over 100 Ph.D. level faculty members are funded at least partially by the OAES to conduct research in areas ranging from cattle and wheat production to cell wall biology and mechanisms that affect conversion of plant materials to biofuels.  Research labs are located primarily in Agricultural Hall, Noble Research Center, Food & Agricultural Products and Animal Science buildings on campus.  Additionally the OAES operates field, greenhouse and lab facilities at 18 research stations and/or centers located from the southeast to the northwest corners of the state.  READ MORE and articles about sorghum research: 1 2

South Central Regional Center for Sun Grant Initiatives at Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University is the South Central Regional Center for Sun Grant Initiatives. Current funded projects include:

  • Critical Analysis of Syngas Fermentation Reactors for Biological Alcohol Production, Oklahoma State and Brigham Young University
  • Development of Winter Safflower as a Biodiesel Feedstock, Texas Tech University and Texas AgriLife Research, New Mexico State University
  • Farmers’ Willingness to Produce Cellulosic Biofuel Feedstocks Under Alternative Contractual, Pricing and Harvesting Arrangements, Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University
  • Cellulosic feedstock production and environmental benefits from agroforest systems established on marginal lands, University of Arkansas, University of Louisiana and LSU AgCenter.
  • Selection of Hybrids and Optimization of Planting to Facilitate Just-in-Time Harvest for Sweet and Energy Sorghum, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas Cooperative Extension, Soil and Crop Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Iberia Research Station READ MORE

Oklahoma State, The Biobased Products and Energy Center   The Biobased Products and Energy Center is a center being created to better meet the following goals:

  • Strengthen basic research foundation in feedstock development and conversion technologies.
  • Provide undergraduate and graduate training for future biobased economy workforce.
  • Formulate teams of university personnel to determine the most appropriate opportunities in feedstock production and conversion applications for specific regions in Oklahoma.
  • When and where appropriate, establish producer-based feedstock demonstration plots of selected perennial grasses, such as switchgrass.
  • Establish OSU as one of the predominant cellulosic research universities in the biofuels industry.   READ MORE

Oregon

Western Regional Center for Sun Grant Initiatives at Oregon State

Funded projects include:

  • · A Forest Residue-Based Pyrolysis Biorefinery, Washington State University
  • · New Concept to Obtain Higher Yields of Pyrolytic Sugars for Ethanol Production, Washington State University
  • · Camelina Improvement for Insensitivity to Residual Herbicide Activity, Washington State University
  • · Exploring Field Crop Biomass Sources for Use in Pacific Ethanol’s Boardman, Oregon Cellulosic Ethanol Plant, Oregon State University
  • · Life Cycle, Sustainability and Economic Analysis of Cellulosic Ethanol from Grass Straw in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon State University
  • · Arid Land Development of Sweet Sorghum as a Renewable Feedstock, University of Arizona
  • · Feasibility of Biopolymer Production in Poplar, Oregon State University READ MORE

Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon Sustainability Coordinator Certificate The Advanced Technology Division provides professional technical training to prepare individuals for the rapidly changing demands of “high tech” industries. Every Advanced Technology program offers “hands on” experience in business, industry and government agencies through Cooperative Education. Two-year associate of applied science degrees and/or two-year certificates of completion, and/or one-year certificates of completion are offered in these programs.

This certificate will prepare students for careers as sustainability coordinators, resource management technicians, corporate social responsibility coordinators, environmental specialists, recycling coordinators, pollution prevention specialists and energy or waste reduction analysts.  Graduates may work for public agencies, school districts, colleges or universities, non-governmental organizations, nonprofit organizations, private businesses or corporations.

Sustainability Coordinator is an emerging occupation.  Market surveys of regional and statewide employers indicate job growth potential is significant and expected to increase. READ MORE

Oregon Institute of Technology B.S. Renewable Energy Engineering In 2005, Oregon Tech furthered its commitment to sustainable power by introducing the first Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Systems in North America (now known as Renewable Energy Engineering).  Oregon Tech’s renewable energy program establishes the engineering principles graduates will need to develop, promote, and implement sustainable energy technologies.

The degree program begins by establishing a solid foundation of physics, chemistry and mathematics, which pave the way for coursework in electrical and mechanical engineering.  Upper-division courses in renewable-energy specific courses include photovoltaics, energy management and auditing, wind power, biofuels, renewable-energy transportation systems, green building and fuel cells. READ MORE

Pennsylvania

Penn State University -  Lignocellulose Center, Biomass Energy Center The DOE plans to fund the Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation, a Department of Energy, Energy Frontier Research Center at Penn State, for $21 million over  five years. Daniel J. Cosgrove, professor of biology, will direct the Center in its efforts to increase our knowledge of the physical structure of the biopolymers in plant cell walls and improve methods for converting plant biomass into fuel. The funding for this center is contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Lignocellulose Center is one of 46 EFRC centers formed nationwide by the DOE to address fundamental issues in fields ranging from solar energy and electric storage to materials sciences, biofuels and carbon capture and sequestration. The Center has planned collaboration with researchers at North Carolina State University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.   READ MORE

The focus of the Biomass Energy Center is to coordinate and facilitate research and outreach across the university, building teams to address the complete value chain of biomass energy systems.   This value chain can be classified into four categories:

  • Improved production of biomass feedstocks;
  • Integration of biomass production into sustainable agrosystems;
  • Conversion of biomass into energy; and
  • Technology transfer to companies, state agencies, NGOs, and citizens throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Penn State has significant strengths in each these four focal areas— each have a significant number of faculty involved, with a critical mass of researchers emerging in many different areas.   READ MORE

Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania M.S. Sustainable Systems The Masters of Science in Sustainable Systems (MS3) program is designed to produce environmental leaders with the skills to address our rapidly increasing environmental problems. Each graduate will learn to critically evaluate our society’s current interactions with the environment and will have the knowledge and experience to lead others as we find ethical and equitable solutions to our environmental challenges.

MS3 graduates will develop the skills to:

  • · Understand the relevant concepts and methods of economics, politics, ethics, design, and environmental geography pertaining to the sustainability of environmental resources and quality of life.
  • · Critically evaluate the sustainability of energy systems, technology, the built environment, and environmental regulations and policy.
  • · Work effectively within the private and public sector to develop and implement sound and equitable strategies for achieving sustainability READ MORE

South Dakota

North Central Center for Sun Grant Initiatives at South Dakota State University Funded projects include:

Tennessee

University of Tennessee Biofuels Initiative The University of Tennessee Biofuels Initiative (UTBI) is a state sponsored plan to decrease our dependency on foreign oil while simultaneously increasing rural economic development and domestic energy production within Tennessee.

The UTBI proposes to jump-start a new bioenergy industry in the state by building and operating a pilot scale cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in East Tennessee. The principal product of the refinery will be Grassoline, ethanol fuel that is derived from plant material such as switchgrass, wood chips and other forest and agricultural biomass.  READ MORE

Now with the lead role in the Tennessee Biofuels Initiative, an innovative research and business model that will position the state as a leader in the nation’s efforts toward commercially viable biofuels production, the UT Institute of Agriculture is among the nation’s top tier academic institutions working on solutions for the nation’s energy needs. 

The Initiative is partnering the research capabilities of UT, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and private industrial partners with farmers and landowners in Tennessee with the goal of producing cellulosic ethanol as a transportation fuel, initially from a 2-5 million-gallon-per-year biorefinery in East Tennessee. The facility will focus on research necessary to refine the conversion process, optimize the use of local farm and forest resources and generally improve the overall process to allow commercial scale-up throughout the state. The principal product will be an economically and environmentally sustainable alternative fuel that has the potential to replace 30 percent of our gasoline consumption.  READ MORE

Southeastern Regional Center for Sun Grant Initiatives at University of Tennessee University of Tennessee is the Southeastern Regional Center for Sun Grant Initiatives. Current funded projects include:

  • Bacterial adaptations for enhanced cellulose utilization: a systems approach, University of Kentucky
  • Enzymatic and Multiphase Solution Processing of Lignocellulosic Biomass, Florida State, Florida A&M, Lafayette College
  • Mechanisms of Surfactant Effects on Biomass Conversion, Virginia Tech READ MORE

University of Tennessee -  AG Research Center,  Biosucceed   The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) has a long history in renewable, biobased energy and products research and education.  As many as 20 years ago researchers were examining alternative energy crops and more recently UT Agricultural Research has enjoyed recognition as one of five regional Sun Grant Centers and as a cooperator in Biosucceed, a partnership for training a workforce for burgeoning biofuels industries.  READ MORE

Virginia

Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium VCERC was created by the VA legislature in 2007 and first received funds from the Commonwealth in fiscal year (July 1st 2007-June 30th 2008). Since July 2007 VCERC has developed coastal energy technologies and the Virginian knowledge base to assist the Commonwealth in meeting the targets set out in the VA Energy Plan. VCERC’s ongoing efforts impact three key VA Energy Plan objectives: creation of renewable energy resources; improving the environment; and economic development.

Specifically, VCERC provides the research and development required for the commercialization and implementation of renewable energy by using algal biomass, wind and wave resources available in Virginia. Algal biomass energy removes pollutants from Chesapeake Bay, represents an innovative win-win wastewater remediation-biofuel production technology, and avoids utilizing food crops, trees, and other valuable natural resources to produce fuel. Project expansion in algal biofuels and wind power will lead to spin-off industry, creating jobs, investment and lowering fuel prices in Virginia.

The Consortium is governed by a board which consists of fourteen members – with representatives from each of the eight partner universities (Old Dominion University, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute, James Madison University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia and Hampton University) and six government and industry partners. The Consortium is located at Old Dominion University in Norfolk.  READ MORE

Washington

Washington State University’s Bioprocessing and Bioproduct Engineering Laboratory The Bioprocessing and Bioproduct  Engineering  Laboratory (BBEL) contributes to the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Engineering and Architecture at Washington State University in serving the State of Washington as the land grant university in the state.  BBEL conducts research, development, education, and technology transfer addressing bioenergy, bioproducts, and environmental issues.  In doing so, the BBEL advances related sciences and technologies that benefit the broader society.  READ MORE

The Bioprocessing & Bioproducts Engineering Laboratory’s biodiesel research focuses on second generation biofuel system using algae as the main feedstock. Our target product is high quality Jet fuel. We are one of the few programs in the US specializing in heterotrophic processes although we currently have on-going research projects on both phototrophic and autotrophic processes. In addition to feedstock, we also study the oil extraction process from algae and conduct research on biodiesel quality. Our past and current main research efforts include:

* Development of high density heterotrophic culture systems
* Screen cold water species for special fatty acid profiles
* Use organic waste for co-production of hydrogen and biodiesel feedstock
* Investigating the effect of minor compounds in biodiesel upon fuel quality
* Develop process models as decision support tools for evaluating second generation of biofuel   READ MORE

Washington State University – Tri-Cities Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy   The University’s newly opened facility, the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), at the Tri-Cities campus, cooperating with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, is home to one of Washington’s star researchers in microbiology, Professor Birgitte Ahring.  Ahring will lead research conducted throughout the WSU system, but much of it will happen inside the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, a 57,000-square-foot, $24.8 million facility opening this spring at WSU Tri-Cities. BSEL is a partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and will include 10 jointly appointed scientists who will conduct cutting edge research and development in bioenergy. PNNL is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.   READ MORE

  • Sample Research Funding:    1/10/10 -   Washington State University, a partner in BSEL, will receive $620,000 for its research based at WSU Tri-Cities.   WSU also will receive $495,000 for research based at WSU Pullman for its participation in NAABB.  This funding is part of a larger funding package announced by the DOE in January 2010. 

 Washington State University – Extension Energy Program    The WSU Energy Program is a self-supported department within the university’s Extension Service. We receive project funding from federal government agencies, federal power marketing agencies, the nonprofit Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and several other sources.

The WSU Energy Program has a budget of about $6 million and a staff of 60 working at our downtown Olympia office, in Spokane and at other satellite locations. The WSU Energy Program is interested in biofuels, biopower and bioproducts, which offset petroleum use.   READ MORE

Bainbridge Graduate Institute BGI’s pioneering MBA and certificate programs prepare diverse leaders to build enterprises that are financially successful, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.   Our innovative curriculum preserves the rigor of a traditional MBA program, while infusing sustainability—environmental and social responsibility—throughout every course.

The MBA program combines distance learning with monthly, intensive, face-to-face classroom sessions.  Students build a strong, cooperative learning community with each other, the faculty and staff. Our faculty includes distinguished business school professors and business innovators from around the U.S. and Canada with a passion for sustainability.   READ MORE

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative Created in 2007 by University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative (WBI) seeks to cultivate bioenergy expertise among UW-Madison, UW-System and Wisconsin stakeholders to anchor the innovative research that is being conducted within our great state. We are a university-based coalition that helps the talent across Wisconsin create, commercialize and promote bio-based solutions.  READ MORE

Wisconsin Mid-State Technical College Associates Degree, Biorefinery Program One of the Wisconsin Technical College System’s 16 colleges, MSTC is a leading provider of higher education offering more than 50 career opportunities through associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates. Student-focused and community-based, MSTC serves a resident population of approximately 165,000 in central Wisconsin. The college has campuses in Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids, and a learning center in Adams.

The Biorefinery Technology program prepares technicians to perform operations and maintenance tasks in the expanding biofuel and biogas production and biorefining industries.

The curriculum emphasizes learning and performing the mechanical processes of biofuel production and biorefining, as well as plant operations, systematic troubleshooting, logical problem-solving and safety. READ MORE

United States (multi-state programs; alpha by program title)

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center    The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a global mission to improve the human condition through plant science.  

The Danforth Center was founded in 1998 through gifts from the St. Louis-based Danforth Foundation, the Monsanto Fund (a philanthropic foundation), and a tax credit from the State of Missouri. Among the distinct features of the Center is the unique and innovative alliance joining the Danforth Center in collaborative research with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the University of Missouri-Columbia, Monsanto Company, Purdue University, and Washington University in St. Louis.   Sample research grants include:

  • 1/14/2010 The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center will receive $44 million from the U.S. Department of Energy in economic stimulus funding to lead a consortium that will conduct research on advanced biofuels.

A Danforth press statement noted the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB), led by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, is one of two groups that will seek to breakdown “critical barriers to the commercialization of algae-based and other advanced biofuels such as green aviation fuels, diesel, and gasoline that can be transported and sold using today’s existing fueling infrastructure.” The Danforth Center is a national leader in algal biofuel research.   READ MORE

National Science Foundation   The Office of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) awarded 20 grants in FY 2009, including the following on the topic of Hydrocarbons from Biomass (HyBi):

  • Maximizing Conversion of Biomass Carbon to Liquid Fuel, Purdue University.
    Lignin Deconstruction for the Production of Liquid Fuels, (0937657), University of Kentucky.
  • Green Aromatics by Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass, University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
  • Fungal Processes for Direct Bioconversion of Cellulose to Hydrocarbons, Montana State University and Yale University.
  • Algal Oils to ‘Drop-In’ Replacements for Petroleum-derived Transportation Fuels, North Carolina State University.
  • The Science and Engineering of Microalgae Hydrothermal Processing, University of Michigan.
  • Bioengineering a System for the Direct Production of Biological Hydrocarbons for Biofuels, Iowa State University,  University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez and California State University.
  • Conversion of Biomass to Fuels using Molecular Sieve Catalysts and Millisecond Contact Time Reactors,  University of Minnesota, Princeton University, University of Delaware.   READ MORE

Southeastern Regional Biomass Partnership  State Participation: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee   The Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) has been awarded a cooperative agreement to administer the Southeastern Regional Biomass Energy Program (SERBEP), funded through the Department of Energy’s Atlanta Regional Office. Through the use of small, cost-shared grants, the Program encourages economic development through public/private partnerships that demonstrate bioenergy technology applications. SSEB is currently involved in numerous projects in its participating states.  The objectives of SERBEP are:

  • To improve government and industry capabilities and effectiveness in the production and use of biomass resources,
  • To support planning efforts that make these resources available,
  • To encourage economic development through private and public investment in biomass technologies, and
  • To engage in research projects that demonstrate biomass technology applications.    READ MORE

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory   PNNL is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) ten national laboratories, managed by DOE’s Office of Science. PNNL also performs research for other DOE offices as well as government agencies, universities, and industry to deliver breakthrough science and technology to meet today’s key national needs. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory frequently collaborates with universities, industry, and other government agencies on scientific research and technology development. The synergy that comes from melding minds and expertise from different institutions often sparks solutions to today’s complex problems.   PNNL is a world leader in proteomics, gasification and catalysis research – capabilities critical to better understanding the cellular dynamics of biomass materials and to more completely and economically converting biomass into fuel. The Lab will leverage expertise and capabilities at the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, a facility located on the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus where PNNL and WSU researchers collaborate; the Institute for Interfacial Catalysis, which PNNL launched in 2005 to bridge the gap from fundamental catalysis research to process application; EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE national scientific user facility located at PNNL;  and PNNL’s Marine Sciences Laboratory, DOE’s only marine research facility located in Sequim, Wash.  Sample Research Funding includes: 

  • 1/14/10 -  The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will receive about $14.2 million for its role in two biofuels research consortia.  The consortia will advance the science and technology needed to remove hurdles and accelerate the ability to convert plants and other biological material into biofuels that can be used in existing infrastructure.  READ MORE

See Government Resources page for links to other national laboratories.

Pacific Regional Biomass Energy Partnership  State Participation:  Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon     The mission of the Pacific Regional Biomass Energy Partnership is to encourage the use and development of biomass energy technologies that are technically feasible and cost effective. We work to provide technology transfer, remove barriers to biomass energy production and promote its benefits. We provide information and technical assistance to improve the regional environment and economies.

The partnership’s major purpose is to encourage the deployment of biomass energy technologies. For example, the partnership has worked to develop biodiesel and ethanol production throughout the region. The partnership also has supported biopower development through the testing and demonstration of the anoxic gas flotation process for dairies that use a flush system to handle manure. In addition, the partnership produces and distributes reliable information on potential biomass energy technologies.   READ MORE

Online Energy Degrees

Marylhurst University, Oregon M.S. Sustainable Business, Concentration, Renewable Energy Marylhurst University is a private liberal arts university located 10 miles south of Portland, Oregon, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional certificates.

Marylhurst’s online Master of Business Administration degree in Sustainable Business prepares you to make a positive footprint in your office and in the world around you. When you choose a concentration in Renewable Energy you’ll gain a fresh perspective on business while learning how to address environmental regulations and policy that incorporate important decisions impacting energy use, business strategy and operational management. READ MORE

Miles Community College, Milwaukee Online Associates Degree, Energy Technology; A.A.S Biofuels Miles Community College has collaborated with The University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula to offer an online degree in Energy Technology. The Energy Technology Program introduces students to the full suite of energy technologies—traditional, emerging, renewable, and alternative—and prepares them for careers in the energy industry. READ MORE

Sun Grant Regional Centers and Associated Research Projects

The Sun Grant Initiative is a national network of land-grant universities and federally funded laboratories working together to further establish a biobased economy.

These institutes are at the forefront of research and innovation involving bioenergy and biofuels production. They have the history, technology and resources available to lead the nation towards a renewable, sustainable, domestic energy industry.

Sun Grant Centers are also charged with reviving America’s farming communities by placing an emphasis on rural economic development through the production of biobased renewable energy feedstocks.

Sun Grant Centers and Representative Grants

The Centers are located at Cornell University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of Tennessee. See information in main entries above. READ MORE

Asia/Pacific Rim

China

Biofuel Research Center at City University of Hong Kong   The Biofuel Research Centre will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong and will be a key component of City Univerity of Hong Kong’s new School of Energy and Environment to address both the rising global demand for sustainable and non-fossil-based fuels and Hong Kong’s urgent need to develop sustainable solutions to accommodate the ever-increasing volume of waste matter.The newly established School of Energy and Environment of CityU, aspires to be a leading school in the Asia-Pacific region specialising in professional education and cutting-edge research in energy and environment, with focus on renewable energies, energy storage, energy efficiency and conservation, climate change and air pollution.

Edinburgh Napier University will initially work with CityU’s School of Energy and Environment in acquiring the necessary equipment and recruiting academic and research personnel for the Centre. Collaboration between the two universities will then be extended to the development and application of joint research projects, student and faculty exchange programmes and joint partnerships with private industries in Hong Kong and Mainland China. READ MORE

India

PRAJ Alcohol Technology and Plant Design is constantly evolving. Practices world over vary according to the regions, but the basic science remains the same. It is important to create a platform to share and enhance the knowledge base in keeping with the times. Also, some of our customers have shared from time-to-time that they would like to have structured inputs that will resolve their queries on worldwide practices as well as keep them in line with the developments.

With its experience of designing and installing ethanol plants across 5 continents, Praj has designed a programme which will help you do just that. Moreover, we will give you a glimpse of the future wherein you will get a feel of second and third generation technologies. So be future ready and join the PRAJ Alcohol School for MASTERCLASS ON FERMENTATION.

Praj has arranged series of Training Programs on Alcohol Technologies & Systems covering Fermentation, Distillation and Wastewater Treatment including Evaporation with Zero discharge plants.

The programs are designed to be interactive programs and are meant specifically for “Plant operating personnel” i.e. the Distillery Managers, Plant Chemists, Shift Supervisor, Alcohol Technologist, Process Chemical Engineers etc.

A special interactive session on “De-Risking Business Model’ will be organized for senior management. The dates for this special session will be announced shortly.

The training programs will share Praj’s vast experiences in design and supply of plants for different grades of ethanol. The objective is to provide latest, up-dated, information based on real time situations so as to make it applicable for performance improvements at your plants. The program will also impart information on analytical procedures, hands-on-approach for better process monitoring & trouble shooting.

The first training program of the Praj Alcohol School is on Advanced Fermentation Technology. The Program, to be held from February 25th -27th, 2010 is specially designed for Distillery Managers, Plant Chemists, Shift Supervisors, Alcohol Technologists, Process Chemical Engineers etc . Upon completion of the program participants will be awarded Praj Alcohol School 2010 certificates.  READ MORE

The PK Sinha Center for Bioenergy at Indian Institute of Technology aspires to be the nation’s leading ce nter for Bioenergy research – comprises of faculty and scientists from IIT-Kharagpur’s existing departments such as Agriculture & Food Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Geology & Geophysics, Intellectual Property Law School, Mechanical Engineering and Physics. The center fits into the new Department of Energy Engineering to be set up shortly at IIT-Kharagpur, which will have several verticals in conventional and non-conventional energy, with Bioenergy being one of them. Established in 1951, IIT-Kharagpur is the first and the largest IIT, with 19 academic departments, 11 academic centers and schools, and 16 R&D cells for interdisciplinary research. IIT-Kharagpur is the only IIT that has unique capabilities in agricultural engineering, biotechnology, plant genetics, geology, chemical engineering, medical science & technology, entrepreneurship, and IP Law, and has access to land for plantings experimentation – big assets for bioenergy research. The center’s faculty members are currently working in the areas of Bio-ethanol, Bio-diesel, Bio-hydrogen, Algal and Microbial Biofuels and genetic prospecting of energy crops.  READ MORE

Canada

Ontario

Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre Opens at University of Guelph   The University of Guelph officially opened the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre researchers will use agricultural products, turning soy, wheat, corn and other crops into everything from car parts and furniture to fuel. “This discovery centre is a nexus where physical and engineering scientists and plant biologists will work together on viable solutions to some of today’s most pressing problems,” said president Alastair Summerlee.   READ MORE

Europe

Belgium

Bio Base Europe Bio Base Europe, the Biopark Terneuzen and Ghent Bio-Energy Valley joint initiative launched in April 2009, has said its new bio-focused Training Centre is on course to open in early 2011. The Bio Base Europe initiative will be the first of its kind to include both a Pilot Plant and a Training Centre dedicated to bio-based industry and aims to support and accelerate the development of a sustainable bio-based economy in Europe. It is the largest Interreg project ever granted to the Dutch-Flemish border region and is set to transform the region into the main bio-economy gateway in Europe.

Training and education will be at the heart of the new centre’s activities with plans to run standard and custom-tailored multi-language courses in English, French, Dutch and German. Courses will be designed to complement existing courses offered in schools and technical colleges, but will provide added depth and focus and ultimately aims to address the current industry-wide shortage of qualified bio-based process operators and technical maintenance specialists. Participants for the training course will include people currently working in the bio-based industry, students from the surrounding region looking to supplement their education with a bio-focused specialization and also trainers and teachers from secondary and vocational technical schools. The facility will include an extensive array of testing and production apparatus for bio-fuel and renewable energy production including bio diesel, bio ethanol, bio gas, wind turbines, photovoltaic cells and heat exchange pumps offering students expanded possibilities to train more extensively with operating equipment.  READ MORE

UK

Aston University, Birmingham, UK  Bioenergy Research Group   The Bioenergy Research Group (BERG) is one of the largest university based research groups in thermal biomass conversion in the world. It was formed in 1986 as a focus for a range of inter-related activities in biomass conversion and environmental studies related to global warming and has grown into a substantial multi-disciplinary research effort.

The objective of the BERG is to apply chemical-engineering science and technology to help provide the world with sufficient energy, fuels and chemicals from renewable and sustainable resources to meet tomorrow’s needs To this end BERG is developing novel thermal processes whereby agricultural wastes, fast-growing wood, annual crops and biogenic wastes can be thermally converted in a biorefinery, using both fast pyrolysis and intermediate pyrolysis, into oils and gases which can, in turn, be used to generate electricity and produce transport fuels and chemicals.  READ MORE

Aston University in Birmingham, UK is involved in a € 3.73m (£3.4 million) research project, which will transform organic residues from biofuel production processes into a renewable biofuel that can reduce reliance on fossil diesel imports. … This project is based on second generation products from whole biomass with higher yields and which do not compete with food.  In particular we will be processing the residues from these processes which will further improve performance and minimise waste disposal. ”We want to bring together a global network of experts and researchers, who are able to build upon existing biofuel technologies. This will help to pave the way for large scale biofuel production by 2020, in a way that doesn’t impact on land usage and similarly helps solves the problems of growing amounts of organic waste.”  The scheme is set to strengthen research collaboration between Europe and Latin America, with a Scholarship Scheme enabling PhD and post doctoral researchers to undertake biofuel production. A series of public lectures and presentations are also planned to engage the general public with the DIBANET scheme.  READ MORE

Germany

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , Germany   The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Europe’s leading energy research establishments: The KIT Energy Center pools fundamental research with applied research into all relevant energy sources for industry, households, services, and mobility. Holistic assessment of the energy cycle also covers conversion processes and energy efficiency. The KIT Energy Center links competences in engineering and science with know-how in economics, the humanities, and social science as well as law. The activities of the KIT Energy Center are organized in seven topics: Energy conversion, renewable energies, energy storage and distribution, efficient energy use, fusion technology, nuclear power and safety, and energy systems analysis. READ MORE