The North Central Bioeconomy Consortium recently received a $100,000 grant from the Energy Foundation of San Francisco to coordinate regional public policy development and research for a renewable energy future. A strategic partnership has been formed with the Great Plains Institute of Minneapolis to help coordinate, facilitate and implement the 12-state consortium agenda.
"These are exciting and changing times for the north central region and the United States as we move toward greater renewable energy and fuels," said Sara Bergan, executive director of the Great Plains Institute. "This consortium provides our region the opportunity to develop the next generation of biofuel feedstocks and energy technologies while providing the research and policy tools necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and economic vitality."