Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Governor Announces Biorenewable Fuels Partnership
ConocoPhillips to establish $22.5 million program at Iowa State University
(Ames) Governor Chet Culver was pleased to join forces with Iowa State University and ConocoPhillips in announcing a new biorenewable research program. The eight-year, $22.5 million research program at Iowa State University is part of ConocoPhillips’ plan to create joint research programs with major universities to produce viable solutions to diversify America’s energy sources.
“I would like to congratulate Iowa State University and ConocoPhillips for forging this historic
partnership,” said Governor Culver. “For Iowa to grow, government and private business cannot operate
independently of one another. Instead, they must work together to create new jobs and greater
opportunities for our communities. This public/private partnership is a key component to the development
of Iowa’s bio-economy, and I’m encouraged that Iowa State and ConocoPhillips are working together to create
the right research programs for our state’s energy future.”
ConocoPhillips will make an initial $1.5 million grant in 2007 to support Iowa State researchers, with additional grants of $3 million per year for seven years.
Biorenewable fuels are produced from organic materials and help reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while diversifying the energy supply. Conventional biorenewable fuels include ethanol from corn starch and biodiesel from soybean oil. Advanced biofuels are expected to be made from fibrous biomass such as the stalks and leaves from corn plants and switchgrass.
ConocoPhillips will fund research to understand and support environmental sustainability and rural economies. Studies will emphasize crop improvement and production, the harvesting and transportation of biomass and the impacts of biofuels on economic policy and rural sociology.
During the event, Governor Culver expressed his appreciation to Ruth Harkin for her work in this collaboration.
“I would like to thank Ruth Harkin for her work in bringing together Iowa State and ConocoPhillips,” said the Governor. “Her position on both the State Board of Regents and the Board of Directors at ConocoPhillips led to this partnership that will bring new jobs and greater opportunities here at home and around the globe.”