PNNL

Two bioenergy researchers at PNNL were part of a multi-lab leadership team recently honored by DOE for leading the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines initiative, or Co-Optima.

Dan Gaspar and John Holladay were recognized for “groundbreaking work to synergistically improve fuels and engines to maximize fuel economy.” They joined project leadership team members from National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Sandia national laboratories in receiving the award.

The award was given at the DOE Vehicle Technologies Office’s annual merit review held June 10 – 13 in Arlington, Va.

“This award reflects the excellent teamwork among all nine of the participating labs, including the contributions of a large number of talented PNNL staff,” says Gaspar.

Co-Optima is a collaboration among DOE, nine of its national laboratories, and 20 academic and industry partners. The initiative, which began in late 2015, focuses on combining biofuels and combustion research and development to simultaneously transform both transportation fuels and vehicles to maximize performance and energy efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and accelerate widespread adoption—all while lowering the cost to drivers.