The University of Delaware has been awarded a $12 million federal grant to continue its work in the field of energy research.
The funding will support UD’s Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation (CCEI) and its ongoing efforts to discover technologies which transform plant biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals.
UD’s CCEI was established in 2009 and is working on developing biomass derived substances that can replace petroleum based chemicals in consumer products such as plastic bottles, food packaging and clothing.
UD is one of 32 Energy Frontier Research Centers selected to receive a portion of the 100 million allocated by The U.S Department of Energy. Over 200 proposals were considered.
In a joint statement, Delaware's congressional contingent all praised the center for its efforts in energy innovation.
Senator Tom Carper (D-Delaware) said the award will “be a shot in the arm that enables the center to make progress even faster” and Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) called the grant a reflection of UD’s “important work.”
Meanwhile, Congressman John Carney (D-Delaware) noted that lower energy costs would “make it easier for Delaware manufacturers to compete in the global market.”
