Auburn-based Impact Bioenergy has been awarded a $550,000 matching grant from the state’s Clean Energy Fund to advance research and development in clean power technologies, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced.

Impact Bioenergy will implement systematic, community-scale food waste biocycling on Vashon Island. The decentralized system will eliminate the need to ship out food waste materials and bring in amendments like compost and fertilizer. Food waste will be converted to energy for heat, power and alternative fuel vehicles, liquid organic fertilizer and sequestered CO2 used in agriculture and horticulture.

Impact Bioenergy was one of five projects awarded matching grants, which total more than $2.3 million, matched by another $33.2 million in non-state funding.

“Washington state is committed to bold leadership on ensuring a low-carbon future for our children and their children. We must continue to make wise, fruitful investments in technologies that create good-paying jobs while protecting our environment,” Gov. Jay Inslee said.