Biofuels Center of North Carolina opens; aims to eliminate Tarheel State’s dependence on foreign oil by 2018

January 8, 2008

In North Carolina, the new Biofuels Center of North Carolina held its first meeting yesterday, and set a goal of eliminating the state’s dependence on 5.6 billion gallons of imported fuels by as soon as 2018. The Biofuels Center will identify next-generation crops and processes for biofuels, building on the advantages provided by North Carolina’s robust $60 billion agriculture industry platform.

North Carolina continues to position itself for US biofuels leadership through research into advanced feedstocks. In September, the General Assembly appropriated $5 million for a state biofuels center in Oxford. The center will research cellulosic ethanol. North Carolina’s Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership called for $25 million in biofuels research funding as well as an annual appropriation of $500,000 to fund biofuels workforce development and public education programs.

Among Tarheel State biofuel research and education initiatives, the Central Carolina Community College will offer a two-year, biofuels associate degree program. The Alternative Energy Technology: Biofuels program and related certificates will commence in fall 2008. Courses will include biofuels analytics, biofuels waste management, renewable energy technology, chemistry, electrical control systems, welding, bioprocessing practices, and small business development.

Local producers and officials say they are confident of reaching the 10% state biofuel mandate for 2017 without experiencing the distribution problems encountered in the Midwest. The state’s focus on biodiesel production, which can be shipped using existing fuel pipelines, was a positive factor cited in meeting the state’s production and consumption goals.

54 Mgy ethanol plant closing in on launch announcement in North Carolina ; targets MTBE, not gasoline

In North Carolina, Beaufort County officials said that negotiations are underway for the purchase of a 200-acre site near Aurora for a 54 Mgy ethanol plant. The plant, which has been proposed at a 108...

North Carolina farmer wins OK from Superior Court for biodiesel facility

In North Carolina, a Superior Court judge ruled that Iredell County farmer Phil McLain may proceed with plans to produce 500,000 gallons per year of biodiesel from soybeans, canola and sunflowers. Ire...

North Carolina study says green projects could create up to 300,000 jobs in the Tarheel State

In North Carolina, a Climate Action Plan Advisory Group said that development of green-oriented agribusiness, waste industries, energy efficiency programs and renewable energy could stimulate the crea...

North Carolina State researchers develop sweet potato with higher ethanol yield than corn; continuing Tarheel State efforts to assume biofuels leadership

In North Carolina, North Carolina State University researchers announced that they have developed a sweet potato with a higher starch content by weight than corn. However, high production costs will p...

Hearing on injunction against proposed North Carolina biodiesel plant this week

In North Carolina, Iredell County Superior Court judge Judge John Holshouser Jr. will rule this week on an injunction requested by opponents of a local farmer's biodiesel production plans. In Januar...

North Carolina to establish cellulosic ethanol, biofuels research center

The General Assembly appropriated $5 million for a state biofuels center in Oxford. The center will research cellulosic ethanol. North Carolina's Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership mandates tha...

Written by Jim Lane · Filed Under Research