Lab will accelerate research and development of biodiesel alternative fuel through a $2 million US Department of Energy grant

DETROIT – February 7, 2006 – NextEnergy, Michigan’s non-profit alternative energy accelerator, is partnering with Wayne State University (WSU) in opening the National Biofuel Energy Lab. Located in NextEnergy’s new facility in TechTown Detroit, the first-of-its kind biofuel technology development lab is made possible through a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant.

The lab is part of NextEnergy’s Biodiesel Value Chain Initiative, an approach to researching and developing biodiesel use, including innovative agricultural methods to grow energy crops, fuel optimization and state-of-the-art biodiesel production. The National Biofuel Energy Lab is scheduled to open later this year.

Biodiesel is fuel made from renewable resources, such as vegetable oil, which can either be recycled from restaurants or culled from organically grown crops such as soy and sunflower. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, and has significantly fewer emissions than petroleum-based diesel when burned. B20 – which refers to the percentage of fuel made from biodiesel, i.e. 20 percent renewable, natural oils/80 percent fossil fuel – is considered the best blend for everyday use in conventional diesel engines.

“We are excited to be partnering with Wayne State University in opening the National Biofuel Energy Lab,” said James Croce, NextEnergy CEO. “We are also extremely grateful to the US Department of Energy for their generous grant. This lab will provide a much-needed biodiesel knowledge base, forming a solid technical foundation for the development of future fuels of this type.”

The ultimate goal of the National Biofuel Energy Lab is to develop and strengthen B20 specifications and standards in order to facilitate widespread warrant of B20 use by vehicle and engine OEMs and component suppliers.

Wayne State University professors, graduate students and Ph. D. candidates from the school’s College of Engineering will conduct the day-to-day research and experiments carried out in the lab onsite at the NextEnergy Center. WSU College of Engineering Professors Simon Ng and Naeim Henein will manage lab activity.

“The National Biofuel Energy Lab provides Wayne State University faculty and students with the type of cutting edge research opportunity I envisioned when NextEnergy decided to locate its offices in TechTown,” said Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid. “We look forward to an exciting partnership with NextEnergy on this project.”

“There are many reasons why biofuels are an important bridge toward our nation’s energy independence, sustainability, and clean environment,” said Ralph Kummler, dean, College of Engineering. “On behalf of Dr. Henein and the Wayne State Center for Automotive Research, a leader in diesel engine performance technology since 1980, we are extremely pleased to take on this project.”

In addition to NextEnergy and Wayne State University, several partners will be involved in contributing to the National Biofuel Energy Lab, including:

• DaimlerChrysler Corporation will supply engines used for research.

• Biodiesel Industries, the nation’s largest biodiesel refiner, based in Santa Barbara, Calif., will aid in the production and development of biodiesel fuel.

• Delphi Corporation, a Tier 1 automotive supplier, based in Troy, Mich., will provide emission management technology and fuel injectors.

• Robert Bosch Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. 

• US Army Tank and Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), the nation’s laboratory for advanced military automotive technology, located in Warren, Michigan.

Bosch and TARDEC will provide test facilities and personnel for fuel evaluation work. Their activities will support and complement work being performed at the NextEnergy Center laboratories.

About NextEnergy
NextEnergy is a non-profit corporation founded to enable the commercialization of energy technologies that positively contribute to economic competitiveness, energy security and the environment. For more information, please visit www.nextenergy.org.

About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit. The College of Engineering, with more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students, offers a wide range of fully accredited engineering disciplines. Its well-respected graduates represent a large force in Michigan industry and the engineering field. For more information, please visit www.wayne.edu.

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