FACT SHEET

 

MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM FOR UTILIZATION OF BIOMASS

 

 

Introduction

 

The earth contains a wide variety of carbon reservoirs that can be harnessed to meet societal power requirements.  By far, the most common source of carbon-based energy used today is petroleum.  Unfortunately, the earth has a finite amount of this valuable energy source.  Biomass, on the other hand, represents a truly renewable source of energy that can be used to produce fuels that are relatively amenable to today’s machinery.  The total energy potential of the earth’s current production of biomass is estimated to be 2,740 quads (1 quad equates to 10¹⁶ BTUs), while the current global energy requirement is only 340 quads, making biomass an excellent long-term source of energy.  Additionally, the use of biomass for meeting our nation’s energy requirements provides the opportunity for the US to develop itself once again into a country that is fully independent of foreign energy policies.  This has significant military and commercial implications. 

               

Ethanol is widely considered to be the energetic bio-based fuel (and additive) that is most promising and of critical industrial importance.   Numerous techniques for producing ethanol from biomass appear promising, with the most promising being at the developmental stage.  Unfortunately, these techniques, although technically viable at this stage of development, are borderline economically feasible because of key technical shortcomings impacting production costs and long-term process stability. 

 

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has taken a strong leadership role in the development of ethanol from biomass.  Recently, under the DOE’s 2000 EPSCoR program, a group of four Mississippi universities (Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, University of Southern Mississippi, and University of Mississippi) submitted a proposal to form the “Mississippi University Research Consortium for the Utilization of Biomass”.   This proposal was approved for funding during the Spring of 2000 with a total of $3, 600,000 of funds being allocated by DOE and the member universities to support this exciting 3 year venture ( $1,800,000 coming from DOE with the balance being provided by the four universities).   An additional supplement of $3,600, 000 of total funding is expected within a three year period (50/50 split between DOE and the State of Mississippi for these funds).

 

Implications to Mississippi

 

Mississippi is a state rich in biomass, that is either cultivated or produced as a waste product from agricultural or manufacturing sources.  The objective of this research consortium is to direct the research and development capabilities of the four member universities toward the beneficial utilization of Mississippi’s untapped waste biomass reserves, while potentially developing new and innovative uses of cultured crops and forests grown in Mississippi.  Given the extent of DOE and State support and the timeliness of this endeavor, Mississippi is poised to be a technological leader in this very promising area.  Numerous existing and potential industries within the State of Mississippi focusing on biomass-based commodity chemical will benefit from the expertise to be further developed under this consortium.  It is important to note that the planned research efforts of the Consortium falls directly in line with the scientific objectives of the Mississippi’s Science and Technology Plan.  Additionally, numerous students within Mississippi will be given the opportunity to study under this exciting funding umbrella, which in the future will provide the state with scientists and engineers experienced in the area of biotechnology.  An innovative “multi-university research team” approach has been developed to provide these students with an unique educational experience by forcing the students to interact with students from other universities and disciplines.  This will greatly enhance the team building skills of each student, which is a highly sought-after characteristic for employees in today’s workforce.  In summary, all of these efforts will surely yield new technological, economical, and educational benefits for Mississippi.

 

Summary of Research Activities

 

Two ethanol production techniques will be further developed under the mission of the Consortium.  These processes are fermentation of synthesis gas and acid hydrolysis of cellulosic materials.  Each project to be performed under the Consortium R&D Program addresses key technological impediments that have been documented to hinder commercialization of these processes.   Projects to be performed under the fermentation of syngas initiative include further development of new and improved bacterial isolates, optimization of fermentor design and operation, development of new membranes for improved product recovery and/or biomass retention, evaluation of methane generation from waste products for recovery as secondary production fuel, and assessment of various waste management techniques.   Research projects to be undertaken that address the acid hydrolysis process includes development of improved processing equipment, development of improved acid separation techniques, evaluation of gene manipulation techniques for development of acid-tolerant organisms (extremophiles), and evaluation of fermentation processing of hydrolyzates derived from the new processing techniques. 

 

Advisory Board

 

A technical advisory board has been organized that brings together known experts from DOE, TVA, DoD, The Mississippi Department of  Economic and Community Development, industry, and academia to provide external technical input.  These experts will provide periodic input that will be invaluable to Consortium researchers, while allowing Consortium members to highlight their very recent successes to these influential individuals.

 

Consortium Point of Contact

 

Dr. Mark E. Zappi, P.E., of the Dave C, Swalm School of Chemical Engineering will serve as the first Director of the Consortium.  His term will run for a period of three years, upon which a new director will be selected by the R&D Board of the Consortium with approval from the State EPSCoR Committee.  Dr. Zappi may be reached at 662-325-7203 or zappi@che.msstate.edu.