WILMINGTON, Del. – Today U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and U.S. Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the University of Delaware’s Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation (CCEI) a $12 million grant aimed at accelerating the scientific breakthroughs needed to build the 21st-century energy economy.

 

The CCEI will use this award to continue its efforts to discover catalytic technologies to transform widely abundant plant biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals. CCEI will develop biomass-derived chemicals that can replace petroleum-based chemicals in consumer products, such as clothing, plastic bottles, and food packaging. 

 

“I am thrilled that the University of Delaware’s Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation has won this competitive grant for energy research,” Sen. Carper said. “These funds will help drive innovation and carry our country toward an energy future that grows our economy and protects our environment. The University of Delaware and its talented students and faculty have already made significant contributions to energy innovations that have the potential to power our state and our country. The additional funding provided in this grant will be a shot in the arm that enables the center to make even more progress even faster.”

 

“Thanks to this grant, the University of Delaware will continue to play a key leadership role in innovation and energy research,” Sen. Coons said.. “The awarding of this grant reflects the leading-edge activities the university’s researchers have conducted, and the fact they were awarded another five-year round to continue research with the Catalysis Center, reflects the importance of their work. I have strongly supported this type of innovative work at Delaware and will continue to support its activities in the role for future ‘grand challenge’ research initiatives.”  

 

“I’ve heard over and over from Delaware manufacturers that lower energy costs make it easier to compete in the global market,” Congressman Carney said. “We need to seize this advantage and make investments that will continue to bring the price of energy down, create jobs, and support the economy.  The University of Delaware’s Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation is doing cutting-edge research in this field that could lead to breakthroughs in how we power our homes and businesses.  I can’t wait to hear more about their progress.”

 

The University of Delaware is one of 32 Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) selected to receive a portion of $100 million for energy research. Awards range from $2 million to $4 million per year per center for up to four fiscal years. 

 

To learn more about EFRCs click here.

 

 

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