National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Biomass Research

Through biomass research, NREL is developing technologies to convert biomass—plant matter such as trees, grasses, agricultural residue, algae, and other biological material—to fuels. These biofuels will reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, improve our air quality, and support rural economies.

Biomass capabilities and projects at NREL are focused on:

• Biomass characterization
• Biochemical conversion
• Thermochemical conversion
• Chemical and catalyst science
• Integrated biorefinery processes
• Microalgal biofuels
• Biomass process and sustainability analyses.
  

NREL is the lead national laboratory of the virtual National Bioenergy Center, which supports and coordinates the nation's biomass research activities.

Learn more about biomass energy basics.