Bioenergy for a Growing Bioeconomy
The Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) brings together leading researchers from institutions across the country to develop foundational technologies that unlock cost-effective new pathways for producing bio-based fuels, chemicals, and materials. These innovations are critical to strengthening the nation’s energy independence and boosting global competitiveness.
Accelerating Innovation
Headquartered at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, CBI unites experts from 17 partner institutions to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the emerging bioeconomy.
CBI’s multidisciplinary teams are driving breakthroughs in plant biology, microbial science, and bioprocessing to lower costs, boost efficiency, and unlock the full potential of bio-derived fuels and products.
As one of four Department of Energy Bioenergy Research Centers, CBI is advancing research to engineer heat- and drought- resistant crops and develop cost-effective methods for converting those crops into fuels, chemicals and products that can strengthen domestic energy independence.
Research to Real World Impact
From engineering high-yield feedstocks to advancing novel conversion technologies, CBI is helping drive the U.S. toward a more reliable, affordable energy future.
Boosting Crop
Performance
We explore new ways to harness natural plant traits and beneficial microbes that can help bioenergy crops grow stronger and use water and nutrients more efficiently. These plant-microbe interactions support healthier, more resilient feedstocks.
Creating High-Value
Bioproducts from Byproducts
We are improving microbial platforms and developing innovative catalytic conversion approaches to turn lignin, a byproduct of biofuel production, into high-value fuels and chemical feedstocks that could unlock new domestic revenue streams.
Developing High-Yield
Biomass Crops
We use plant genomics and genetic engineering to develop biomass feedstocks that grow faster, produce more biomass, and perform better in real-world environments — while being easier to convert into fuel and materials.
Advancing Biofuel
Production Technologies
We work to reduce or remove costly processing steps and streamline biomass conversion. Combining biomass breakdown and fuel production into one process simplifies biofuel manufacturing.