Since 1994 Metabolix (NASDAQ: MBLX) has been developing patented technologies to create biobased and sustainable options to replace petroleum-based products including plastics, chemicals and fuel.
In 2001, the United States Department of Energy awarded Metabolix a US$15 million Biomass Biorefinery Project. Ten years later, the DOE has again awarded Metabolix funding.
The DOE, as part of President Obama's US$42 million research and development fund to support the production of biobased products and biofuels and bioenergy, has awarded Metabolix US$6 million. The company announced that it will use the funds to continue research of engineered switchgrass for use as a feedstock to create biofuel and biochemicals.
"The DOE funding is another exciting step towards creating a bioenergy infrastructure that has the potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase economic development in America," said Oliver Peoples, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and vice president of Research and Development at Metabolix.
Image Credit: Doctor Swan via Flickr
Joseph Baker is a freelance writer living in Vancouver BC. His areas of focus include renewable energy, sustainability and climate change.
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