Energy security concerns and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions are key drivers in the establishment of a cellulosic ethanol industry based on converting plant biomass into renewable fuel. With the recent passage of the 2007 US Energy Bill, a $40 billion market now exists for 21 gallons of cellulosic ethanol by 2022. Agriculture and process waste feedstocks can only supply a fraction of the required ethanol volume. Growth of this sector is hampered by the lack of consistent, high quality cellulosic feedstock.

PPI is partnering with industry leaders to develop and use new energy crops to address feedstock supply constraints and lead this emerging energy sector.