National Ethanol Research Institute Funds First Projects
Two research projects aimed at expanding the market
for ethanol were recipients of the first annual National Ethanol Research
Institute's competition for funding.
The first project, by University of
Iowa Prof. Ravinda Datta, will explore the conversion of ethanol to hydrogen.
His plan calls for the development of an onboard catalytic reformer for the
production of hydrogen from ethanol for use in either an internal combustion
engine or a fuel-cell stack for propulsion of future automobiles.
The
second project by University of Missouri-Columbia Prof. Donald L. Van Dyne tests
the economic feasibility of converting trees into ethanol. He plans to conduct a
thorough and definitive study of the issue in light of recent technological
advances that make the conversion of feedstocks, such as trees, much closer to a
commercial reality.
The National Ethanol Research Institute, founded by
the Governors' Ethanol Coalition, supports accurate, credible and unbiased
research of renewably derived ethanol and its uses. Executive Director Dorin
Schumacher said the Institute "is off to a very promising start" with the
selection of Datta's and Van Dyne's projects.
"We are confident that the
work of these distinguished academic researchers will make a valuable
contribution to the growth and development of the ethanol industry," Schumacher
said.
