Research: Funding the Search for Renewable Fuels
In February 2007, the Taylor family, which owns Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car, made a significant commitment to further advance the research and development of alternative fuel technologies when it announced the creation of the Institute for Renewable Fuels. Working in conjunction with one of the world's leading plant science research facilities, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, the Institute will work to find new ways to create fuel from renewable and reliable plant sources.
Dr. Richard Sayre, one of the nation's foremost biofuels researchers, was tapped as director of the Institute in August 2008. Much of the work to be done by Dr. Sayre and his team of 10 researchers will focus on using algae to produce "third-generation" biofuels that someday could be used on a large scale to power cars, trucks, and aircraft. This complements the larger body of research underway at the Danforth Center that will help decrease the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and reduce future dependency on finite fossil fuels.
Development of new energy sources will not only sustain our business of renting vehicles, but also help sustain the environment around us for future generations. We believe it's important for us to play a role in the search for sustainable new alternative fuels, just as we're committed to using our fleet to grow the market for commercially viable new fuels and engine technologies. Our company's success in the future depends on the availability of vehicles and fuel − and both must be acceptable to society.
Creation of the Institute was made possible by a $25 million grant from the Taylor family.
Additional information
Press Release — August 25, 2008
Press Release — February 26, 2007
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