The U.S. Department of Energy has announced just over $23 million in federal funding for five projects focused on developing highly efficient fermentative organisms to convert biomass material to ethanol.

According to a DOE press release, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner said the projects will study ways to produce cellulosic ethanol cost-effectively. “Ultimately, success in producing cost-competitive cellulosic ethanol could be a key to breaking our nation’s addiction to oil. By relying on American farmers and ingenuity for fuel, we will enhance our nation’s energy and economic security.”

The companies to receive funding for fermentation projects are:

* Cargill Incorporated – $4.4 million
* Celunol Corporation – $5.3 million
* E.I. Dupont de Nemours & Company – $3.7 million
* Mascoma Corporation – $4.9 million
* Purdue University – $5.0 million