ArborGen LLC and Clemson University Form Research Cooperative on Woody Biomass for Biofuels

16 October 2009

Clemson University and ArborGen LLC are partnering to develop purpose-grown woody biomass as feedstock for the biofuels industry. The cooperative will support South Carolina’s ethanol industry based on existing cellulose conversion technology, foster multi-agency collaboration and engage students in research and internships.

ArborGen and Clemson will identify areas of joint research, including plant genetics and development, field trials, equipment engineering, material handling and woody biomass pretreatment.

Immediate research areas include coastal loblolly pine, sweetgum, eucalyptus and poplar trees as possible sources of renewable biofuel.

This partnership also will see Clemson engage ArborGen in the Bioenergy Collaborative, an interdisciplinary team investigating commercial bioethanol production in South Carolina. The public-private partnership represents all aspects of the cellulosic bioethanol fuel cycle, from feedstock through production and distribution.

The collaborative includes the research institutions of the Savannah River National Laboratory, South Carolina State University and Clemson University. Private partners include Fagen Engineering, Dyadic International and the Spinx Co.

Further, ArborGen and Clemson will engage undergraduate and graduate students through research projects, internships and other educational activities related to degree and non-degree programs.

ArborGen is a leader in tree improvement, with an extensive pipeline of elite conventional pine and hardwood germplasm. Through improvements in tree productivity and wood characteristics, ArborGen trees have the potential to increase the value of renewable feedstock for traditional forest products, such as saw timber and pulpwood, and emerging bioenergy applications.

Clemson’s cross-university and statewide resources include a dedicated Experiment Station, research and education centers, plant genetics laboratories, agricultural research and equipment engineering, and forestry.