FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2024
CONTACT: Daniel Jacobs
press@sciencecoalition.org
The Science Coalition Congratulates Marquette University for Receiving $2 Million Federal Grant to Develop Fuel–Flexible Combustion System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Science Coalition (TSC) applauds Marquette University for receiving a $2 million award from the U.S. Office of Naval Research to develop an innovative naval combustion system that improves energy efficiencies and reduces greenhouse gas emissions of maritime vessels.
Led by Dr. Adam Dempsey, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Opus College of Engineering, the research effort will develop a naval combustion system that can use a broader range of fuels –beyond the typical naval F76 diesel fuel – including sustainable aviation fuel, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia, among others. By ensuring that the novel combustion system remains compatible with F76 diesel fuel, the project will develop an adaptable and reliable system that meets battle readiness and resilience standards.
“There is an imminent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all transportation and power generation sectors, including naval marine vessels, and current propulsion system alternatives face many challenges,” Dr. Dempsey said. “The most pragmatic and impactful way to decarbonize is by using low carbon intensity fuels. The commercial maritime industry is moving quickly to decarbonize their internal combustion engines, but they are either dual fuel and not capable of operating solely on a low carbon fuel, or are designed around a single low carbon fuel and are not fuel flexible.”
The grant will fund the work of Dr. Dempsey and his team as well as partners at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Precision Combustion, Inc. Working together, the team will develop a diesel engine with unprecedented fuel flexibility, operational endurance, and decarbonization impacts.
“This public-private research project – led by one of America’s leading academic research institutions – demonstrates how federal funding can catalyze cutting-edge research that strengthens national security and addresses the climate crisis,” said Jill Pentimonti, president of The Science Coalition. “Every single day, renowned scientists and researchers at our nation’s colleges and universities make significant contributions to our economy, our environment, our security, our health and well-being, and our society. This latest federal grantmaking effort serves as a poignant example.”
See here to learn more about Marquette’s recent grant award.
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About The Science Coalition (TSC)
The Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research universities. It is dedicated to sustaining the federal government’s investment in basic scientific research to stimulate the economy, spur innovation, and drive America’s global competitiveness. Learn more at www.sciencecoalition.org.