The Illinois Renewable Fuels Research, Development, and Demonstration Program funds research, development, planning, and education projects that are designed to increase the use of renewable fuels technologies and reduce related production costs. The primary focus of the program is biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) production and utilization.
The objective of this program is to accelerate the commercialization of new renewable fuel technologies and products. This will serve to expand rural economies, develop and expand new business and investment opportunities in Illinois, reduce the outflow of energy dollars from the region, and improve the environment. With the help of this program, Illinois' biofuels industry will continue to expand and find new and better biofuels or improve those that are already being used.
The Illinois Renewable Fuels Research, Development, and Demonstration Program has sponsored research and development of new and innovative technologies that help reduce ethanol production costs and develop new value-added products. It has also funded a series of demonstrations to develop and test new ethanol fuel blends and has provided funding for research at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
The Biofuels Business Planning Grant Program, a subsidiary of the Illinois Renewable Fuels Research, Development, and Demonstration Program, provides grants up to $25,000 for the development of business plans, engineering studies, design studies, permit applications, and legal work for potential new biofuels facilities in Illinois.
For more information on these programs contact:
Norm Marek
217/785-5082
Norm.Marek@illinois.gov