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July 27, 2007

Engineering professor receives grant from State of Wisconsin for biofuel project

Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that Marquette University will receive a $39,000 grant for a project, led by Dr. Dan Zitomer, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, that will increase methane production in anaerobic digesters. Department of Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke made the award on behalf of the Governor at Marquette University.

“Wisconsin has a great opportunity to be a leading state in biofuels development, and I’m pleased that we could assist Marquette University in this important research and development project,” Gov. Doyle said.

The project will develop new preservation methods for microorganisms that will increase methane production when used with anaerobic digesters. Raw materials for methane production include dairy manure and meat and poultry wastes. Grant funds come from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Agricultural Development and Diversification grant program.  

“Our research will continue to impact two important topics facing the environment – renewable energy and waste management,” said Zitomer, lead researcher on the project.  “Since our work involves the conversion of industrial and agricultural waste to renewable energy, our findings will benefit the state. We are extremely grateful to Gov. Doyle for his support. “

The Marquette University department of civil and environmental engineering is a leader in anaerobic biotechnology for waste treatment and renewable energy production, organizing an annual international short course on anaerobic treatment of high-strength industrial waste, performing more than $1 million in research for government and industry, and educating future engineers and scientists to design and operate anaerobic facilities (www.marquette.edu/wqc).

The ADD grant program, housed in the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), was created in 1989 to stimulate Wisconsin's farm economy. Based on post-grant surveys, the program has generated more than $100 million in economic returns, including annual sales increases, annual cost reduction, and additional economic returns. Economic activity that has resulted from the success of grant projects includes more than 600 new jobs; more than $30 million in new capital investment; and more than 400 new products developed.  For more information on this program, contact Mike Bandli, DATCP, 608-224-5136

State of Wisconsin contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
Carla Vigue, Governor’s Press Office, 608/261-2162

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