Woodland BIO Awarded $305,035 Agricultural Innovation Grant to Advance Sustainable Fuel Facility
WELLSBORO, PA – 8/14/2026 – Woodland Biomass Innovations (Woodland BIO) today shared that it has been awarded a $305,035 Agricultural Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. This significant funding will be dedicated entirely to the final Phase 3 engineering for the company's pioneering biomass-to-gasoline facility in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The grant supports completing the detailed construction package and securing the necessary permits, moving the project closer to its construction phase.
The grant underscores Pennsylvania's commitment to fostering sustainable solutions and economic growth within the Commonwealth. Woodland BIO's Tioga County facility is designed to convert 1,000 tons per day of regional woody biomass into 42,000 gallons per day of low-carbon, road-grade gasoline, along with co-products such as biochar and renewable electricity. This initiative aims to establish local circular supply chains for low-carbon liquid fuels, compatible with existing infrastructure.
"This Agricultural Innovation Grant is a pivotal investment in our mission to bring sustainable, locally-produced transportation fuel to Pennsylvania," said Luca Pandolfi, Founder and CEO of Woodland BIO. "Securing this funding for phase 3 engineering is a critical step, enabling us to finalize our construction plans and obtain the necessary permits. It reflects strong bipartisan support for our project's economic and environmental benefits, particularly for rural communities and the forest products industry."
Phase 3 involves finalizing the engineering package with detailed specifications, vendor inputs, and a firm cost estimate for procurement and construction bidding. This grant directly accelerates Woodland BIO's progress toward construction of the approximately $350 million facility, which is projected to create 50-100 direct jobs in Tioga County. The first facility is a commercial proof of concept that can then be replicated across the state, the nation, and globally.
Woodland BIO's process leverages proven technologies to transform low-grade woody biomass, such as forest residues from regional forestry operations, into valuable energy products. This approach not only provides a sustainable alternative to refined crude oil-based fuels, but also supports healthy forest management practices by creating a market for underutilized biomass. The project has garnered bipartisan political endorsements from state and local officials, recognizing its alignment with sustainable economic development and energy resilience in rural Pennsylvania.
The facility’s output of 87-octane road-grade gasoline will be chemically identical to conventional gasoline, ensuring seamless integration with existing vehicles and distribution networks without requiring infrastructure modifications. Offtake for the facility is currently secured through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shipley Energy, which has committed to purchase and distribute the gasoline produced in Tioga County. Additionally, the production of biochar offers agricultural and industrial applications, while renewable electricity generated during operations will contribute to the local grid.
The full official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania announcement can be found here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/shapiro-davis-admin-invests-millions-in-ag-innovation-grants
The full press release regarding the Shipley Energy MOU can be found here:
https://www.woodlandbio.com/press/shipley-partnership
Images:
Woodland BIO Founder & CEO, Luca Pandolfi (left) with PA Dept. of Agriculture’s Secretary, Russel Redding (right) standing in the WoodMobile at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days.
Woodland BIO Founder & CEO, Luca Pandolfi (left) with PA Dept. of Agriculture’s Director of Innovation, Mike Roth (right) at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days.
About Woodland BIO: Woodland Biomass Innovations (Woodland BIO) develops circular biomass-to-fuel systems that produce low-carbon, drop-in fuel compatible with existing infrastructure. Using proven gasification and GTL technologies, Woodland BIO converts regional woody residues into transportation fuels, biochar, and renewable electricity. Headquartered in Tioga County, PA.
Media Contact
info@woodlandbio.com | +1 (607) 205-8597
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding project timelines, modeled job creation, and illustrative facility capacities. These statements are based on current engineering validation and historical data; actual outcomes depend on the successful financing, permitting, and construction execution.
