The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a research "roadmap" for the development of cellulosic ethanol as an alternative fuel source. The scientific document resulting from the Biomass to Biofuels Workshop in December 2005 highlights the latest advances in the production of ethanol from celllulose and a detailed research plan on how to make this alternative fuel economically viable by overcoming barriers to productivity such as:

• maximizing biomass feedstock productivity


• developing better processes by which to break down cellulosic materials into sugars


• optimizing the fermentation process to convert sugars to ethanol

The Genomics: Genomics To Life Program also figures a vital role in the proposed research agenda.

You can download the DOE research roadmap or order a print copy here.