Two Triangle companies have received nearly $1 million each out of a total of $34 million in federal stimulus funds awarded to small businesses in 34 states to promote technology development.

The 201 awards from the U.S. Department of Energy will support the development of prototype or pilot operations for innovative technologies that have advanced beyond the initial conceptual stage.

Piedmont Biofuels in Pittsboro was awarded $969,970 to develop a biodiesel refining process that uses enzymes to convert sludge, grime and other low-quality organic waste into automobile fuel.

The company is collaborating with Novozymes, a Danish biochemical company with its U.S. headquarters in Franklinton. Novozymes is supplying the enzymes for the project.

3TEX in Cary was awarded $999,370 to develop a 3D fiber to double the strength of joints that secure the blades of wind turbines used to generate electricity.

The partnership of two Triangle companies has a produced a new processor to chemically convert sludge into fuel, which could boost the struggling biodiesel industry. Read more about it here.

Clean fuel producers are unveiling an experimental production facility this morning that will test making biodiesel from sludge and other substances that are currently unsuitable for green energy production.

Typically, biodiesel is made from fry grease, which can be chemically processed and purified. But sludge from kitchens, known as "brown grease," and thick goo from chicken processing facilities is too degraded for biodiesel conversion with conventional methods.

The state has more than 8 million gallons of sludge, which is typically composted or put in landfills, according the N.C. Biofuels Center. Biodiesel can be used a substitute for petroleum-based diesel fuel.