Positive Impact

The KDF supports the development of a sustainable bioenergy industry by providing unique value for researchers, private industry, policymakers, and the public.

Locations

Washington, D.C. and Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Partner

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

EERE Investment

$750,000 in FY12 and $389,000 in FY13

Clean Energy Sector

Sustainable transportation

In September 2013, the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) launched a revamped, easier-to-use version of the Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework. Initially released in January 2011, the KDF provides researchers, industry, policy makers, and the public with access to a variety of data sets, publications, and collaboration and mapping tools that support bioenergy research, analysis, and decision making.

In the KDF, users can search the Bioenergy Library to find the latest bioenergy research; use the map interface to visualize, analyze, download, and export geospatial data; and browse the site’s collection of specialized tools and applications, which can also be launched on the map. Visitors to the KDF are encouraged to become registered users to acquire access to additional benefits, including the ability to contribute data sets and other resources, customize information online, and interact with others.

The redesigned KDF offers a new look, simplified navigation, better organization of content, improved usability, and enhanced interactivity that will allow visitors to find the information and resources they’re looking for more quickly and easily. BETO intends for the new design to better meet the needs of users by making the KDF more functional, intuitive, and appealing. Some specific site enhancements include the following:

  • Clean look with easy-to-navigate layout
  • Advanced search and filter options
  • Quick links to social networking sites
  • Improved map interface

The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) works with a broad spectrum of industrial, academic, agricultural, and nonprofit partners across the United States to develop and deploy commercially viable, high-performance biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower from renewable biomass resources in America to reduce our dependence on imported oil.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.