West Texas Projects to Focus on Energy Aerospace and Defense
Published: 02-05-08
Published: 02-05-08
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced more than $4.8 million in Texas Emerging Technology (ETF) awards to two projects in West Texas. “Texas is committed to creating a diverse energy portfolio that provides stability and reduces dependence on foreign energy” said Gov. Perry. “Developing alternative energy sources through Texas-based research is of tremendous value to a fast-growing state like Texas and to our nation as a whole.”
Texas AgriLife Research part of the Texas A&M University System and General Atomics received a $4 million ETF award for biofuel microalgae research. The award is being matched by the U.S. Department of Defense in an effort to develop microalgae-derived biodiesel fuels to support military needs.
A biofuel microalgae aquaculture pilot facility will be built at the Texas AgriLife Research center in Pecos. Microalgae has the potential to produce over 100 times more fuel per acre than oilseed crops and it does not compete with food or feed production.
An $850000 ETF grant was awarded to Falcon International which in partnership with the University of Texas Permian Basin will further develop innovative lightweight ballistic panels. This grant will allow Falcon to enter into the final testing and development stage of the technology.
The creation of high tech manufacturing jobs in a heavily petroleum-leveraged area will bolster the state’s presence in the industry. Economic diversification benefits not only regions but the state as a whole.
A biofuel microalgae aquaculture pilot facility will be built at the Texas AgriLife Research center in Pecos. Microalgae has the potential to produce over 100 times more fuel per acre than oilseed crops and it does not compete with food or feed production.
An $850000 ETF grant was awarded to Falcon International which in partnership with the University of Texas Permian Basin will further develop innovative lightweight ballistic panels. This grant will allow Falcon to enter into the final testing and development stage of the technology.
The creation of high tech manufacturing jobs in a heavily petroleum-leveraged area will bolster the state’s presence in the industry. Economic diversification benefits not only regions but the state as a whole.
“Research talent from Texas universities combined with the resources and solutions from the private sector provides the ideal environment for developing and commercializing cutting-edge technologies” said Gov. Perry. “To be globally competitive now and in the future Texas must continue to partner with the private sector and invest in projects that create jobs diversify and enrich our economy.”
