Atlanta, Georgia-- December 21, 2005 - Scott Sinquefield, a researcher at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology at Georgia Tech, received notification today that his proposal to DOE will be funded. The research project will receive approximately $100,000 to examine new techniques for eliminating the energy intensive lime kiln from the pulping process. 

Jim Frederick , Director of IPST said, "Normally a grant of this size would not be big news, however, in this case it is! The Department of Energy originally announced that it would fund ten University research projects. Then after some budget cuts it became clear that only two of the projects would be funded. We are very proud that Scott Sinquefield's project was deemed to be of significant value to the industry."

The total awarded was $2.2 million in research and development grants for projects to save energy in the pulp and paper industry.  The research will focus on removing water from pulp in the paper making process and determining the technical and commercial feasibility of next generation manufacturing concepts.

"New efficient technologies and processes are key to reducing our energy consumption now and in the future," said Douglas L. Faulkner, Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  "Increased energy efficiency in the manufacturing sector not only saves energy, but also improves the environment and makes U.S. manufacturing more competitive."

Approximately $2 million in research funds has been awarded to Voith Paper of Appleton , Wis. , to design and build a new press technology to reduce the need for energy during paper drying by 30 percent.  Voith Paper will contribute a 50 percent cost share to this research.  North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh , N.C. will receive approximately $100,000 which will define a next generation pulping process that has the potential of achieving higher yields and reduced energy consumption.  NCSU will contribute a 44 percent cost share to this research project.  IPST at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga., will receive approximately $100,000 to examine new techniques for eliminating the energy intensive lime kiln from the pulping process.  Georgia Tech will contribute a 20 percent cost share to this research project.

Development and implementation of new energy efficiency technologies is a continuing goal of the Department of Energy.  Through open, competitive solicitations, DOE offers opportunities for industries to participate in cost-shared research and development projects that advance technologies both technically and economically, and show significant potential for successful commercialization.

For more information on the awards and the technical approaches selected visit  http://www.eere.energy.gov/industry/forest/ .