The U.S. Department of Energy is soliciting grant proposals to develop a highly efficient fermentative organism for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol .

Letters of intent are due November 16.

The organism must be able to survive a wide range of environmental conditions and be stable from adverse mutation. Only those applicants who are willing and able to take the strains to a commercial scale and have a sound business strategy to market the organism will be eligible for consideration..

Approximately $17 million is expected to be available in FY07 for this grant "subject to the availability of appropriated funds." An additional $10 million is expected to be available in FY08 and FY09, again "subject to the availability of appropriated funds."

For more information, find this solicitation of proposals online.

11/3/2006