The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced more than $136 million in funding for 66 projects focused on advancing low-carbon technologies across critical US industrial sectors. Among the sectors targeted, the food and beverage industry is included, with several initiatives addressing decarbonization challenges through innovative technology development.
“Selected projects can bolster competitiveness and create a positive ripple effect for supply chains across our nation’s economy”
This funding is part of the DOE’s Technologies for Industrial Emissions Reduction Development (TIEReD) Program, which invests in research, pilot projects, and workforce development to decarbonize energy-intensive industries. In addition to food and beverage production, the program also targets chemicals, iron and steel, cement, forest products, and glass manufacturing. Together, these industries account for over 75% of US industrial energy demand.
Within the food and beverage sector, multiple projects were selected for funding to develop and demonstrate sustainable solutions that reduce carbon emissions and energy use while addressing waste and production efficiency.
Tender Food: $5.4 Million
Tender Food, based in Boston, was awarded $5,431,018 to develop and scale a low-energy fiber-spinning system for producing plant-based whole-cut proteins. The system, which will be assembled in a food-safe facility, aims to significantly reduce energy and carbon intensity compared to conventional production methods for alternative proteins.
By advancing its fiber-spinning technology, Tender Food hopes to lower production costs, achieve price parity with conventional meat products, and increase the adoption of plant-based proteins. The project also seeks to improve production scalability to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable food products.
Tender Food commented on the funding on Linkedin, stating: “We’re thrilled to announce that the US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Tender to receive $5.4MM in funding to accelerate the development of innovative technologies, ensuring the resilience and competitiveness of US industrial supply chains in rapidly changing global markets. This grant recognizes the revolutionary potential of our technology to unlock the future of food innovation and drive massive efficiencies beyond conventional production technologies.”
Ginkgo Bioworks: $2.4 Million
Another Boston-based company, Ginkgo Bioworks, received $2,421,994 to develop precision fermentation technology for producing human lactoferrin (hLF). The project focuses on using a novel yeast strain to create hLF from low-cost, waste-derived carbon sources, aiming to replace bovine lactoferrin (bLF) with a lower-emission, sustainable alternative.
Lactoferrin, a protein commonly used in infant nutrition, supports immune health and brain development. Ginkgo’s approach could improve supply chain resilience and significantly reduce the environmental impact of lactoferrin production by utilizing waste feedstocks and optimizing fermentation processes.
Michigan State University: $1.8 Million
Michigan State University was awarded $1,835,288 to develop a sustainable plant protein production platform. The project leverages ultrasound-assisted fermentation to replace energy-intensive chemical extraction methods for isolating plant proteins.
The initiative also incorporates a circular economy approach by recycling processing residues to generate renewable energy. This model aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions, minimize water use, and reduce waste in plant protein production, ultimately decarbonizing food ingredient manufacturing.
Decarbonizing US industry
The inclusion of food and beverage projects is part of a wider effort to decarbonize industrial subsectors that play a significant role in the US economy. These industries collectively contribute $27 trillion to US GDP and employ roughly 13 million Americans.
For the food and beverage sector, these projects could drive innovation in alternative protein production, reduce waste, and improve sustainability across supply chains.
Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, stated, “By focusing on novel technologies and process optimization within these key subsectors, selected projects can bolster competitiveness and create a positive ripple effect for supply chains across our nation’s economy.”
