Miscanthus bests switchgrass as biofuel source
Miscanthus bests switchgrass as biofuel source
mongabay.com
July 11, 2007
In a side-by-side comparison, miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) grass has been shown to be a more productive bioenergy source than switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists in Chicago.
A team of scientists led by Frank Dohleman of the Plant Biology Department at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that Miscanthus is about twice as productive as switchgrass. Dohleman says this is due to Miscanthus’ longer growing season, greater leaf area, and higher carbon storage per unit of leaf area.
Both plants have been highly touted as a potential source for cellulosic ethanol production, though the technology is still not ready for commercialization.
Ethanol yield for various crops
Ney energy yield for various crops |
Corn ethanol, presently the leading biofuel in the United States, yields far less than either miscanthus and switchgrass. Some studies suggest that corn ethanol is barely an improvement over conventional gasoline in terms of its impact on the environment and carbon emissions.
Biofuels have seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to increasing concern over climate change and energy security. In theory, biofuels have low emissions than fossil fuels since carbon is sequestered as the plants grow.
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