Biofuel research brings Gov. Crist to UF

September 11, 2007

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist’s initiatives to combat climate change brought him to the University of Floridacampus Aug. 31 to learn more about how researchers are creating alternative fuels.

The governor met with Lonnie Ingram, a microbiology professor who has spent more than two decades developing a technique for creating ethanol from plant waste. Ethanol, a gasoline alternative, may be a key to helping the governor reach his goal of reducing Florida’s vehicle emissions by 30 percent over the next eight years.

In what many believe to be a more environmentally sensitive and cost-effective alternative to using corn for ethanol production, Ingram’s technology allows genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to convert sugars found in plant fibers into the fuel.

“I’m very proud of the work being done at the University of Florida,” Crist said. “It’s important for us to shine a light on this.”

Ingram’s work resulted in the university’s first royalty check for the patented technology, based on the conversion of cellulosic biomass (inedible parts, such as stems and leaves) to ethanol.

Currently, a biofuel developer in Osaka, Japan, is using construction waste to make ethanol based on Ingram’s method.

“We began our work after the first and second oil crises to look at alternatives,” Ingram said. “We have a unique leadership position in Florida with ethanol technology, but we need to bring it back home and make Florida the hub of the technology.”

Florida leads the nation in tons of biomass grown each year, making the state a potential leader in the production of renewable fuels.

Last spring, the state Legislature awarded $20 million to UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to establish a research plant to commercialize Ingram’s technique.

“We have to do these kinds of things to move us toward the future in a smart way,” said Crist, who recognized state Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson for pushing the grant forward. “It’s also a national security issue. It’s not only an environmental issue.”

The grant will allow UF, in partnership with the Florida Crystals sugar company, to build a new ethanol research and demonstration plant in Palm Beach County – if negotiations between the university and the company are successful.

“He’s a pioneer,” Crist said. “It’s amazing what’s being done. There’s so much opportunity for Florida to be a great leader.”

Crist also toured Ingram’s lab and met with graduate students who are currently conducting research. In addition, he congratulated UF for its widespread efforts toward campus sustainability and conservation of resources.

“My word is ‘thank you,’” Crist said.