What is the UT Biofuels Initiative?
The UT Biofuels Initiative is a research and business model that proposes to advance in-state production of renewable and sustainable biofuels. The focal point of the Initiative is the construction and operation of a pilot scale cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in East Tennessee. Tennessee’s Governor Phil Bredesen committed more than $70 million over five years to the Biofuels Initiative in 2007. The Tennessee State Legislature appropriated the first year of funding (FY 2008) for this project, including $40.7 million for capital costs of biorefinery construction and $8.25 for operating, research, and farmer incentives for switchgrass production. Additional operating funds are expected through FY 2012.
