Four major Northwest research organizations are combining to develop new methods for converting agricultural and food processing wastes into commercially usable “bio-based” fuels and other products.

Members of the new Northwest Bioproducts Research Institute include the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA; DOE’s Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory in Idaho Falls, ID; and Washington State University and the University of Idaho.

Under terms of the agreement, the members will collaborate to form a multi-disciplinary research and development program. They will examine and develop methods for converting agricultural and food processing residue and wastes into bio-based fuels, power, and industrial products.