The South Central Regional Center supports research, extension, and education that will further its mission of developing viable alternative biobased energy sources and products while enhancing economic opportunities in rural areas.

 

The primary thrust of the Center at Oklahoma State University will be the further development of bioconversion technologies, existing and new, that when employed will provide liquid fuels and/or displace foreign petroleum. When applicable, a holistic approach will be used for each conversion technology, from feedstock development/procurement to final product. As such, the primary research projects that will be supported include biofuels production through feedstock development, bioconversion technology development, process modeling and economics.

The following are priorities that have been identified by the South Central Regional Center in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation with the ultimate goal of the displacement of foreign oil through the enhancement of the biobased economy.

 

 

Biofuels Feedstock Development

• Plant Breeding and Selection
• Agronomic Practices for Optimal Sustainable Yields
• Equipment Technologies for Sustainable Harvests

 

Biofuels Conversion Processes

• Conversion Efficiency
• Cost of Production
• Enzymatic Conversion
• Thermochemical Conversion

 

Biofuels Systems Analysis

• Industrial Ecology
• Feedstock Transport, Delivery, and Storage
• Biofuel Transport and Delivery Infrastructure

 

Multiple Land use for Biofuel Feedstock Production

• Agricultural Production
• Wildlife Habitat
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Air Quality
• Global Climate Change

 

Economics, Marketing & Policy

• Economics and Policy
• Impact on Food and Feed Markets

 

Environmental Impact

• Life Cycle Emissions
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Carbon
• Energy Balance
• NOx Emissions
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

 

Education & Outreach Programs

• e-Extension and Rural Development Outreach