On May 24, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of the Clean Fuels and Products Shot, an initiative that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from carbon-based fuels and products.[1] The initiative is the seventh under the DOE Energy Earthshots. The new initiative will encourage the development of sustainable feedstocks and conversion technologies necessary to produce crucial fuels, materials, and carbon-based products that are better for the environment than current petroleum-derived components. The Clean Fuels and Products Shot aims to meet projected 2050 net-zero emissions demands for 100% of aviation fuel; 50% of maritime, rail, and off-road fuel; and 50% of carbon-based chemicals by using sustainable carbon resources. According to the announcement, the initiative could help eliminate more than 650 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by 2050.

During the DOE secretary’s announcement at the Idaho National Laboratory, a ribbon-cutting also took place for the Biofuels National User Facility. The $15 million, 3-year long facility upgrade is designed to solve critical biofuels production challenges associated with the feeding, handling, and preprocessing of diverse biomass and waste materials.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/eere/clean-fuels-products-shottm-alternative-sources-carbon-based-products