In Maine, The University of Maine announced it has been awarded a $10 million USDA grant for their Sustainable Wood to Fuel and Fish Feed for Strengthening the U.S. Bioeconomy project. This initiative aims to utilize low-value wood from Maine’s forests to produce sustainable jet fuel and fish feed.
The project involves collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Lowell, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and Arbiom, a company specializing in protein ingredients. The goal is to convert organic compounds in low-quality wood into lignins for fuel and sugars for fish feed proteins, reducing costs and reliance on petroleum and fishmeal.
“By converting low-quality wood into sustainable products, we’re enhancing the economic value of Maine’s forests,” said ARI Director Debbie Bouchard.
The initiative is expected to boost Maine’s economy and support sustainable forest management. It also includes developing educational programs at various levels to train a skilled bioeconomy workforce.
Tags: jet fuel, Maine, USDA
Category: Research
