UNL would receive bioenergy facility funds under appropriations bill

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln would receive $2 million to establish a pilot-scale bioenergy research facility under a recommendation in the 2008 Senate energy and water appropriations bill.

Research conducted at the pilot plant will focus on developing new processes that increase the efficiency of ethanol production, producing value-added components from the grain ethanol process and exploring new commercial uses for these end products.

UNL research aims to improve the profitability of Nebraska's rapidly expanding grain ethanol industry by developing new technologies that add value to ethanol feedstocks and co-products.

The pilot-scale plant would enable researchers to demonstrate the "proof of concept" of new technologies and increase opportunities to work with industry in developing value-added products.

The funds were included in the bill at the request of U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.).

The energy and water appropriations bill, which contains funding for the facility, will be considered on the Senate floor and reviewed in a conference with the House of Representatives later in the year before being sent to the president for his signature.

CONTACT: Monica Norby, Asst. Vice Chancellor, Research, (402) 472-4180