DECATUR, ILLINOIS, US — Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) will receive a $3.4 million grant from the US Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office for biofuels research.

The goal of the research is to improve the availability of data that will support bioprocessing separations development as well as to develop supporting technologies to improve bioprocessing separations.

Researchers are looking to produce isobutanol as a precursor for sustainable aviation fuel using waste pea starch from the production of alternative proteins as the biomass feedstock. 

This award is one of 22 nationwide totaling $64.7 million in an effort to develop technologies and processes that produce low-cost, low-carbon biofuels for heavy-duty forms of transportation like airplanes and ships.

“Biofuels are a critical component of our nation’s energy portfolio and our agriculture economy,” said US Representative Rodney Davis, who announced the grant. “They help reduce emissions while promoting American energy independence. This DOE grant will assist ADM and others in developing new innovations in the biofuels sector. I look forward to watching ADM utilize this grant and continuing to partner with industry stakeholders to further promote the production and use of biofuels.”

Todd Werpy, senior vice president and chief science officer at ADM, added, “ADM is on the cutting edge of new research and technologies to accelerate more sustainable and cost-effective production of biosolutions. “This project will help continue to advance our innovative work and expand the frontier of responsible, plant-based products that consumers are increasingly using every single day.”

Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy, said, “Decarbonizing transportation is an essential part of the path to a net-zero carbon future. While electrification of smaller vehicles is gaining momentum, larger vehicles like planes will still rely on liquid fuels for the near future. This investment will accelerate the deployment of bioenergy technologies and mobilize public clean energy investment in the biofuels, chemical, and agricultural industries, which can lead to new good-paying jobs across the bioenergy supply chain and increased investment in rural economies.”