The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
47°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

University of Idaho gets biofuel research grant

Gary Johnson holds the heads of milo sorghum plants on his farm in Waukomis, Okla, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. University of Idaho assistant professor Tara Hudiburg is part of a $115 million project involving 60 people in 17 institutions, aimed at creating a new generation of sustainable and cost-effective bioproducts including sorghum. (Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press)
Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho – The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $750,000 grant to University of Idaho researcher studying biofuels.

The Idaho Business Review reports the grant to assistant professor Tara Hudiburg is part of a $115 million project involving 60 people in 17 institutions, aimed at creating a new generation of sustainable and cost-effective bioproducts.

Hudiburg is using a process called biogeochemical modeling to look at the economic and ecological sustainability of biofuels like sorghum, miscanthus and switchgrass. The work includes assessing greenhouse gases, determining how future crop yields could be improved and what impact the crops have on soil health, biodiversity and water quality.