oklahoma bioenergy center

About the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center

The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center is a research and economic development collaboration that’s working to make our state a leader in America’s quest to reduce dependence on foreign petroleum, shrink the growth of green house gas emissions and redirect monies sent overseas for imported oil to rural America. The Center’s vision for a vibrant, sustainable bioeconomy is rooted in a commitment to bring lasting prosperity to all Oklahomans.

The Center’s continuous research collaboration is paramount to the success of Oklahoma’s biofuel industry. Bioenergy development is the far-sighted course our state — and our nation must take to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, stimulate economic growth and attain environmental sustainability.

Integrating the Research of OU, OSU and the Noble Foundation

The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center represents collaboration among the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the Noble Foundation. These entities are taking an orchestrated approach to advancing the development of cellulosic ethanol from crops like switchgrass, sweet sorghum and milo, as well as research on biodiesel that’s derived from natural oils like sunflower seeds and canola.

The Center is also developing new techniques for harvesting and transporting energy corps to the biorefinery, as well as developing alternative technologies for converting the biomass into transportation fuel.

Reaping the long-term benefits of bioenergy research.

The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center and its partners are collaborating on research initiatives that focus on four key areas:

Crop Development – evaluating, identifying and improving the best plant materials to increase yield, sustainability, conversion efficiency and biofuel output.
Crop Production – developing establishment and management tools and procedures for dedicated energy crops.
Harvest, Collection and Transport – designing new solutions to harvest, process, collect and move high-yielding, commercial bioenergy crops.
Conversion – formulating the most effective and economical way to transform new feedstocks – like switchgrass – into biofuels that burn efficiently, reduce greenhouse gasses and is compatible with today’s engines and fuel pumps.

Expanding the reach of Oklahoma agriculture

Through the coordinated efforts of the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center, research and development will spotlight the state’s benefits, identify its potential strengths and ultimately yield investment in commercial-scale biorefineries and other critical infrastructure across the state.

The potential benefits to any state’s economy from biofuels production are staggering. Consider, for example, the on-going, estimated economic impact of a single 50 million gallon ethanol plant after initial construction*:

At least 33 new full-time jobs, with a total of 120 new jobs throughout the community
$6.7 million annual increase in the aggregate household income in the community
$155 million annual increase to the state’s gross output
$70 million annually in the expansion of the local economic base.

* Source: Nebraska Public Power District, “Employment and other Economic Impacts Associated with the Construction of an Ethanol Production Facility,” January 2005.

What you can do

Oklahoma’s transportation fuel future is of significance and importance to all Oklahomans. And we can all play an important role in supporting the vision of creating a biofuels economy in the state:

>> Register on this website to receive periodic news and updates.

>> Let community leaders and state legislators know your thoughts about the importance of bioenergy to Oklahoma’s future.

>> Encourage local agriculture, business and community associations to host speakers or events that address the topic of Oklahoma’s farm-to-fuel initiatives.

>> Attend conferences, seminars and roundtable discussions about the future of Biofuel production, and learn how it can positively impact Oklahoma’s future.