The USDA said it will grant a total of $44.6 million (€32.6 million) in payments to more than 150 biofuels producers in the US to help support them in producing and expanding their developments.
Some companies, such as Texas-based White Energy, are being awarded more than $3 million towards ethanol production. Whereas others, such as QB Corporation, based in Idaho, is being given just under $500 towards its pelleting business.
Only on biomass developments
The payments were judged on the amount of biofuels a company produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch, such as those derived from organic waste (like poultry manure), animal fat, vegetable oil, crop residue, biogas and cellulose.
Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack says the grants will help “increase the production and availability of renewable energy and thus help our nation begin to reduce its reliance on foreign oil”.
“Just as importantly, USDA's support will help to further develop the nation's growing biofuels industry and generate green jobs and economic growth,” he says.
