The Minnesota Center for Renewable Energy – a partnership between Minnesota State University, Mankato and Minnesota West Community and Technical College – will receive $500,000 in funding from the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill signed into law Dec. 27 by President Bush.
The $500,000 – part of the bill’s Energy and Water Development section – will support research into cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel and other forms of renewable energy. The research creates public-private partnerships that promote economic growth, nurture alternative energy technology, increase energy diversity, and improve national security.
The Minnesota Center for Renewable Energy was founded several years ago to expand energy alternatives by developing new methods for using renewable fuels, and to alleviate shortages of qualified personnel in the ethanol production and wind energy industries. Located in an area rich with wind energy and agriculture, the center works to strengthen Minnesota agriculture and manufacturing through renewable energy.
Center research helps optimize use of anaerobic digesters for plant biomass, helps convert biofuels to more easily marketed liquid forms, develops renewable carbon for industrial uses, improves biomass crops and wind and photovoltaic energy, and keeps technician training up-to-date for energy production industries. Industry collaborators include the Minnesota Soybean Association, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, John Deere, Case-IH, KatoLight, Cummings Engines, the Minnesota Hog Producers Association, Sebestra Blomberg and Associates, Induction Research and the Davisco Company.
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