Tag Archives: biofuel

Breakthrough Made For One-Step Biofuel

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switchgrass biofuelDirect conversion of switchgrass into ethanol normally requires expensive treatment with enzymes. In this process, the enzymes in the pre-treatment break down the cellulose fibers into fermentable material. However, researchers from the Georgia University in Athens have discovered a microbe called Caldicellulosiruptor bescii that is capable of converting biomass cellulose into sugars as well as sugars into ethanol for fuel purposes.

The process is quite similar to how microbes transform barley into beer and grapes into wine. Ethanol can now be easily produced by grinding the switchgrass with the addition of minimal salts. The process is not only economically feasible but also relatively easy to produce.

To date, experiments by the researchers have demonstrated that Caldicellulosiruptor bescii can convert switchgrass to products that consists of 70% ethanol. This breakthrough has enabled the researchers to produce other fuels such as isobutanol and butanol using the same method.

Research on Converting Miscanthus X Gigantheus to Cellolusic Ethanol

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SwitchgrassAccording to a report published in the Global Change Biology Journal, researchers have found that Miscanthus x giganteus yield far more energy than switchgrass. Miscanthus x giganthus is used in bioenergy production, while the switch grass is used as bioenergy feedstock. The results were based on a field trial conducted over the course of 10 years where both plants were grown in seven locations across Illinois side by side. During the course of the field trials, the switch grass yielded 4.5 tons per acre compared to 10.5 tonnes yielded by the Miscanthus x giganteus.

Miscanthus is used by many growers in a pelleted form as a renewable, carbon neutral energy source. However, although the demand for pelleted Miscanthus is growing, the long term goal is to process the cellulose in the biomass to sugars, so that it can be used in the fermentation of ethanol and other fuels. Based on calculations by the researchers, 17 million acres of land area would be needed to produce 60 billion liters of cellulosic ethanol.

 

Cool Planet and Bioenergy Alliance Network Received USDA Funding

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BeetlesWood has been infested by beetles in nearly 42 million acres of U.S. forest since the year 1996, and this is having a profound effect on the forest’s condition.  Cool Planet and Bioenergy Alliance Network will be receiving $10,000,000 to create more sustainable biofuels from wood that has been nearly destroyed by beetles.

While the foundation works to bring the bark beetles to a halt, they are also doing innovative research that will include them creating renewable energy and contributing to a cleaner future for America. The research foundation has expressed their gratitude for the contributions and donations, saying that they are happy the world can see what use this project will bring to the environment and to bio fuel. By the end of 2013, the foundation should be getting into the depths of their project and begin making changes in USA’s ecosystem.