Investing in Renewable Energy

Project: Bio-Diesel Algae Fuel Production Program

Recipient: Bio-NRG, LLC

PO Box 796

100 West Washington Street

Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641              

Amount Requested: $3,000,000

Description:  Our service members deserve the best possible equipment, tools, and resources. Additionally, funds that invest in renewable energy invest in America’s future, both economically and in terms of national security. The United States Air Force is currently pursuing alternative fuel technology, with the goal of achieving 50% domestic production of its fuel requirements by 2016. There is growing recognition that algae is a viable source of alternative jet fuel and could help meet the Air Force’s goal.  Indeed, algae-to-oil production is projected to become competitive with petroleum-based crude oil in the near term.  This funding will be used to enhance and accelerate the research and development necessary to scale-up algae-to-oil production.  The use of alternative energy sources will contribute to lower costs to taxpayers, increased fuel supply security, and reduced reliance on potentially unreliable suppliers. 

Project: Center for Magnetically Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Systems (CME3S)

Recipient: University of Iowa

105 Jessup Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242

Amount Requested: $2,721,000

Description:  Investing in renewable, clean energy is critical to getting the economy moving again, decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, creating new industries and green jobs. DOE is currently working to overcome technical barriers to fuel cell commercialization. The US needs energy systems that operate at higher efficiency and can utilize domestic, renewable fuels. Enhanced electrochemical systems of fuel cells, batteries, and solar cells can address these needs. This funding would be used for producing improved magnetic materials and coatings for fuel cells, batteries, and solar cells.

Project: Green Power Initiative

Recipient: University of Iowa

105 Jessup Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242

Amount Requested: $2,000,000

Description:  Investing in renewable energy can create and save jobs immediately while paving the way for long term growth in new and emerging industries. The funding would be used in combination with private sector funding for engineering, detailed economic feasibility and developmental work. Increased Biomass-based power production will provide additional incentives for partnerships with local utilities and private investors. The initiative will help develop guidelines for other universities, cities, and industries worldwide to follow in retrofitting existing utilities to burn biofuels in conjunction with coal and/or natural gas. It will also provide an avenue that will lead to certification of professional training for employees operating power plant facilities throughout the U.S. providing a stronger, more productive labor force charged with meeting our growing power needs.

Project: Iowa Alliance for Wind Innovation and Novel Design (IAWIND)

Recipient: University of Iowa

105 Jessup Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242

Amount Requested: $2,000,000

Description:  This project creates jobs, invests in renewable energy, and brings funds into the District at a time when hardworking Iowans are facing the worst economic crisis since the great depression. The requested funding would allow the Alliance to conduct research and training activities in wind energy, including fostering industry-sponsored research and development along with expansion of educational programs at partner institutions. At the end of the proposed 3-year start-up period, the Alliance will be self-supporting with additional industry partners. Iowa can help serve the diverse needs of the wind energy sector by integrating a spectrum of critical services into a University-based center of excellence. A key element to achieving the Department of Energy’s goal of generating 20% of U.S. electric energy by wind by the year 2030 is a coordinated effort between industry, research universities and community colleges. IAWIND’s vision is to serve as a catalyst for the growth of wind energy and to support and to facilitate research and training needs of wind energy companies.