Department of Energy Bioenergy Research Centers have been charged to develop the next generation of biofuels to supply sources of energy to the grid from non-food, cellulosic, parts of plants.

Researchers are especially looking at lignocellulosic biomass (such as wood), and also at microbes to make energy-rich fatty acids for the synthesis of cell membranes and energy storage compounds for use in producing appropriate biomass.

Source: American Society for Microbiology news release