Clemson, University of Queensland form partnership for biofuels research

U.S.-based Clemson University and the University of Queensland, Australia, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to exchange research and work to create a biofuels development program. The program will include looking for both public and private investment for conducting research to achieve the commercialization of ethanol and biodiesel production. The collaboration is to help create energy independence and economic development in both South Carolina in the U.S. and Queensland in Australia. Peter D. Beattie, the special adviser for economic policy and development for Clemson University and the former premier of the state of Queensland, said, “This partnership between Clemson University and The University of Queensland puts both universities at the forefront of future energy research.” Karl Kelly, director of commercialization and technology incubation at Clemson University, said that, “The University of Queensland is one of Australia’s premier learning and research institutions. Together, we will push the boundaries of biofuels development with alternative energy concepts that benefit South Carolina and Queensland.” The combined research will address the use of switchgrass and sweet sorghum as feedstock for the production of ethanol, the conversion of bagasses to ethanol and the cellulosic monomer conversion to biodiesel technology. (July 15, 2011)