Doyle: Wisconsin the ‘Saudi Arabia’ of new fuels

by Beth Mueller

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 01:49

Gov. Jim Doyle rolled out a new clean energy strategy Tuesday, in the midst of Wisconsin’s ongoing clash to repair a budget shortfall topping half a billion dollars.

The strategy Doyle unveiled aims to make Wisconsin a leader in renewable energy.

“Clean Energy Wisconsin is a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Wisconsin’s energy future,” Doyle wrote in a letter heading the strategy. “The initiatives will provide a clear direction for the businesses, people, and communities that will help Wisconsin become the Saudi Arabia of renewable fuels.”

Some of the plan’s goals include generating 25 percent of Wisconsin electricity and 25 percent of car and truck fuel from renewable sources by 2025, as well as capturing a full 10 percent of the market share for renewable energy and bioproducts. 

According to the governor’s office, only 3.5 percent of the motor fuel sold in Wisconsin is from renewable sources currently.

Doyle unveiled the plan at C5-6 Technologies, a biofuels startup in Middleton, and much of the plan centers on the role research and development of renewable fuels could have in the state’s economy.

According to a statement from Doyle, the plan could create 20,000 new jobs.

Joshua Morby, executive director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance, said Doyle has been a strong proponent of the bio industry in Wisconsin.

C5-6 is working to develop enzymes to convert biomass, such as paper pulp, switchgrass, and other feedstocks, into sugars that can be used to produce biofuels.

“Anytime the governor gives attention to the bio industry in Wisconsin and the value that we provide to the economy, that’s something that we support,” Morby said.

Doyle also said the new Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund would provide up to $15 million annually in grants and loans for research and development.

The Department of Commerce will be taking applications for these funds between April 1 and June 2. 

The plan will likely meet opposition from Republican lawmakers as it attempts to make its way through the Legislature.”