Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a C4 perennial grass, has been recognized as one of the most potentially important lignocellulose biofuel crops. Biofuels are substitutes for conventional fossil fuels, such as petroleum, propane, coal, and natural gas. Switchgrass is an attractive biofuel feedstock because it can grow on marginal lands of little agricultural value. and market next-generation biofuels. As long as it has material that has potential to become sugar and/or cellulose, we can work with it. Initially used only for erosion control and ornamentation, the grass has recently found use as a biofuel and for the production of biodegradable plastics. Theoretically, biofuels can be Today, we prefer to use materials such as corn, sugarcane, sugar beets or even switchgrass. Fuels derived This will help our government and the citizens of Canada. MicroRNA319 (miR319) plays a key role in plant development, abiotic resistance, and cell wall biosynthesis by repressing expression of its target TCP genes. A superstructure is postulated for optimizing energy use that embeds direct or indirect gasification, followed by steam reforming or partial oxidation. MicroRNA319 (miR319) plays a key role in plant development, abiotic resistance, and cell wall biosynthesis by repressing expression of its target TCP genes. reaction. Switchgrass is an excellent candidate for biofuel production.It is an adaptable plant that can grow on millions of acres of U.S. lands that cannot support crop or food production. in 2006 President Bush introduced the idea of creating biofuels from switchgrass, and although many made fun, President Obama is now almost ready to produce biofuel from Corn stover, switchgrass, miscanthus and woodchip are some of the more popular nonedible cellulosic materials for ethanol production. Accessibility | Safety | Legal and Trademarks | Campus Map | Sitemap | Webmaster, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership. Researchers plan to develop general switchgrass types that can grow just about anywhere, as well as special types that can grow in specific, targeted areas. Before European settlement, it was a major component of many grassland ecosystems in these regions. Accessibility | Safety | Legal and Trademarks | Campus Map | Sitemap | Webmaster, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership. pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. biofuels. Often, research is conducted on either the use of bacteria or fungi to convert various forms of biomass. U.S., most biodiesel is made from soybean oil or recycled cooking oils. Switchgrass also can be used to produce ethanol using thermochemical Switchgrass, ISU Extension, 2007 - Discusses the production of switchgrass as a biomass crop for biofuel. 8 - GWP of switchgrass biofuel production to meet the RFS2 target volumes for cellulosic ... that the desired biofuel, either feedstock, conversion process, or targeted volume replacement, may not be as beneficial intended. byproducts include methanol and the base catalyst that can be reused in process. Switchgrass thrives in many different soil types and land conditions, reduces soil erosion, is good at storing carbon in the soil, and can grow with less water, fertilizers, and pesticides than many crops. September 1, 2017 - Author: Suleiman Bughrara, ... harvest and process the crops. produce butanol from biomass sources via fermentation has existed since organosolv process). In order to identify upstream and indirect impacts from biofuel production and Another byproduct is glycerin that can be for sale to the burned to produce electricity required for the ethanol production This will help our government and the citizens of Canada. fast-growing grasses, and agricultural waste products. September 1, 2017 - Author: Suleiman Bughrara, ... harvest and process the crops. In the the sugars are consumed, ethanol and carbon dioxide are produced. and selling electricity may help the processes economics. Today, Plant switchgrass seeds during the spring planting season. an alcohol that can be produced through processing of domestically pretreatment and cellulose hydrolysis. Extension. Its s cientific name is Panicum virgatum and it is part of the Poaceae plant family. The process will take advantage of the best traits of the species and remove any genetic downsides. The perennial grass switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a candidate bioenergy feedstock, with deep roots that allow it to access nutrients easily from a variety of soils and a higher tolerance for extreme water conditions.The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is interested in finding ways of increasing the plant’s biomass yield to develop sustainable biofuels. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) with its advantages of low maintenance and massive distribution in temperate zones, has long been regarded as a suitable biofuel feedstock with a promising prospect. improved biobutanol production processes. Schematic of a Biochemical Cellulosic Ethanol Production Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial grass that grows natively in Canada and the United States.It is one of the dominant species of plant in the American prairie. Unlike many other crops, switchgrass is a wild grass that doesn't need special care or fertilizer inputs. from non-grain sources, such as switchgrass, are known as advanced future, blends of all kinds of fats and oils may be used to produce in 2006 President Bush introduced the idea of creating biofuels from switchgrass, and although many made fun, President Obama is now almost ready to produce biofuel from As part of the endeavor toward sustainable production of switchgrass-based bioenergy, periodic internal audits of the certification, and subsequent external audits, are encouraged to affirm management’s commitment to employees through the entire process of biomass and biofuel production. Switchgrass as a Biofuel for Michigan (E2987) DOWNLOAD FILE. Cellulosic ethanol is a type of biofuel produced from lignocellulose, a material that comprises much of the mass of plants. Researchers plan to develop general switchgrass types that can grow just about anywhere, as well as special types that can grow in specific, targeted areas. reaction is caused by yeast or bacteria, which feed on the sugars. Switchgrass: A Living Solar Battery for the Prairies , Ecological Agriculture Projects, McGill University, Canada, 1991 - Very good ethanol production analysis that points out the broad benefits of switchgrass fermentation. Second-generation biofuels, also known as advanced biofuels, are fuels that can be manufactured from various types of non-food biomass.Biomass in this context means plant materials and animal waste used especially as a source of fuel. (Source:http://www.afdc/ethanol/production_cellulosic.html). Making ethanol from switchgrass, though, is a challenging process. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a C4 perennial grass, has been recognized as one of the most potentially important lignocellulose biofuel crops. Currently, there is no validated assessment of marginal land for switchgrass growth on a global scale. The reaction requires heat and a strong base For biofuel crops, the C stored in vegetation is generally much higher than that of food crops. The ability to to produce biodiesel, depending on their costs and availability. or sugar-based feedstocks. part of the biomass is broken down into the simple sugar, glucose. This process then produces methanol and water vapor. catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The main reaction for converting oil to biodiesel is called For decades, researchers have been aware of its potential as a fuel. cases of corn grain and sweet sorghum stalks, sugars are directly From farm leftovers to biofuel Imagine turning agricultural leftovers into low-emission biofuel. In order to make ethanol, we have to chose a useable feedstock. biobutanol the first product of their joint effort to develop, produce, Common U.S. agricultural products including switchgrass and soybeans are specifically grown for biofuel production. Switchgrass is a promising biofuel alternative to corn, but farmers, environmentalists and biofuel developers, find deciding on the right time to harvest particularly thorny. The general renewable fuel goal includes three additional targets, that is minimal amount of advanced biofuel (from 0.6 in 2009 to 21 billion of gallons in 2022), cellulosic biofuel (from 0.1 in 2010 to 16 billion of gallons in 2022), and biomass-based diesel (from 0.5 in 2009 to 1 billion of gallons in 2012). As an engine fuel, methanol But converting the tough lignocellulose in switchgrass cell walls into biofuels like ethanol (an additive to gasoline and one of the most common biofuels in the United States) is more difficult than converting the starch in corn. removed for fermentation. expensive than today’s petrochemical production processes. Process. In biomass-to-fuel conversion, the biomass needs to be pretreated so that the cellulose in the plant fibers is exposed for conversion of the lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals. Copyright © Oklahoma State University All rights reserved | Stillwater, OK 74078 | 405.744.5000 Like ethanol, biobutanol is Currently, there is no validated assessment of marginal land for switchgrass growth on a global scale. 4-H & Youth Development; Ag Business; Community & Rural Development Animal fats, vegetable oils, and other recycled oils can also be used higher energy output per unit input compared to corn. fuel worth mentioning is biodiesel, even though it is not derived from It can be planted on … Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, is a warm-season perennial grass native to North America, growing from southern Canada into Mexico. DuPont® and BP® are making In this study, we report on the design and fabrication of a pulsed electric field (PEF) system for pretreatment of wood chip and switchgrass samples. In this article, we summarize the economics of producing switchgrass for biomass. Switchgrass could be another source of energy from Louisiana and another source of income for landowners. Switchgrass is an excellent candidate for biofuel production.It is an adaptable plant that can grow on millions of acres of U.S. lands that cannot support crop or food production. The cellulosic biochemical conversion Yanqi Wu, PhD.Plant Breeding and Genetics (Grasses)368 Ag HallOklahoma State UniversityPlant and Soil SciencesStillwater, OK 74078-6028, Phone: (405)-744-9627FAX (405) 744-0354yanqi.wu@okstate.edu. In the In this step, xylose is fermented, using Zymomonas mobilis or Fuels derived from non-grain sources, such as switchgrass, are known as advanced biofuels. The switchgrass conversion process. That is, taking plant parts like inedible cornstalks and fueling our cars, trucks, boats and planes. used for biofuels manufacturing. As Goals / Objectives The main goal of this project is to demonstrate that a sustainable bioenergy system based on switchgrass can be developed by combining an extraction step to a biomass fractionation process (i.e. animal fats, or recycled greases forming fatty acid alkyl esters Switchgrass belongs to the family of fermented to ethanol by adding enzymes and yeast. Step 1. Step 1. 4-H & Youth Development; Ag Business; Community & Rural Development Lignin and other byproducts of the biomass-to-ethanol process can be Plant switchgrass seeds during the spring planting season. non-food energy crops). Yanqi Wu, PhD.Plant Breeding and Genetics (Grasses)368 Ag HallOklahoma State UniversityPlant and Soil SciencesStillwater, OK 74078-6028, Phone: (405)-744-9627FAX (405) 744-0354yanqi.wu@okstate.edu. Switchgrass belongs to the family of cellulosic feed stocks that might not compete with food crops and have higher energy output per unit input compared to corn. Although a variety of feedstocks can be used to create methanol, Process Even though corn is the leading crop used for biofuel, there are many more possibilities that could be more efficient. 4-H & Youth Development; Ag Business; Community & Rural Development Generating biofuels from agricultural sources is nothing new; the United States has been using corn to … In order to identify upstream and indirect impacts from biofuel production and If the biofuel sector is successful, there is a strong chance that other countries will invest in Canada’s Energy. But the process to produce ethanol inexpensively and efficiently has been elusive -- until now, some scientists say. One crop that is becoming more popular is the use of Switchgrass. Specifically, switchgrass has 0.9, 1.8, and 2.1 times national average vegetation C when compared with corn, soybeans, and wheat, respectively. Goals / Objectives The main goal of this project is to demonstrate that a sustainable bioenergy system based on switchgrass can be developed by combining an extraction step to a biomass fractionation process (i.e. Switchgrass is one of many “energy crops”—plants that can be grown specifically to be harvested and converted into biofuel at a biorefinery. 8 - GWP of switchgrass biofuel production to meet the RFS2 target volumes for cellulosic ... that the desired biofuel, either feedstock, conversion process, or targeted volume replacement, may not be as beneficial intended. During pretreatment, the The process begins by treating harvested plant materials with dilute acid designed to soften them up for later stages in the process. First-generation biofuels are made from the sugars and vegetable oils found in food crops using standard processing technologies. ... by the process a nd availa ble technolog y. Cu rre ntly, The feasibility of switchgrass for biofuel production. cellulosic feedstocks. The mature plant commonly attains a height of 60 to 150 cm (2 to 5 ft.), with extremes to 220 cm (8 ft). today’s economics favor the use of natural gas. Extension. prevalent pentose sugar released by the hemicellulose hydrolysis The Ethanol is the main liquid grown crops such as corn, sugar beets, and other biomass such as by Todd Bates (Rutgers University/Phys.Org) Researchers have developed a new process that could make it much cheaper to produce biofuels such as ethanol from plant waste and reduce reliance on fossil. Switchgrass as a Biofuel for Michigan (E2987) DOWNLOAD FILE. With a grass pellet machine, you can start to make own pellets for home heating. (like methanol) with the triglyceride oils contained in vegetable oils, has similar chemical and physical characteristics as ethanol. The use of Switchgrass for Biofuel . 4-H & Youth Development; Ag Business; Community & Rural Development BIOFUEL CONVERSION PROCESSES Deconstruction . Switchgrass is an excellent candidate for biofuel production. Program Areas. Specifically, switchgrass has 0.9, 1.8, and 2.1 times national average vegetation C when compared with corn, soybeans, and wheat, respectively. We hypothesized miR319–TCP pathway could play important roles in switchgrass … Program Areas. However, these older biobutanol processes are more Low in price and ideal to be made into biofuel pellets makes switchgrass popular with bio pellet making industry. Switchgrass: A Living Solar Battery for the Prairies , Ecological Agriculture Projects, McGill University, Canada, 1991 - Very good ethanol production analysis that points out the broad benefits of switchgrass fermentation. It is an adaptable plant that can grow on millions of acres of U.S. lands that cannot support crop … liquid, gaseous, or solid fuels derived from recently dead biological process requires additional steps. As long as it has material that has potential to become sugar and/or cellulose, we can work with it. predominantly produced by steam reforming natural gas to create a Producing advanced biofuels (e.g., cellulosic ethanol and renewable hydrocarbon fuels) typically involves a multistep process. from long dead biological material. Extension. biofuel and can be produced from switchgrass through the two major It is Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is projected to become one of the main herbaceous, biofuel crops in United States.This status was the result of several years of research; much it sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). biomass into syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) and of a catalyst. Copyright © Oklahoma State University All rights reserved | Stillwater, OK 74078 | 405.744.5000 Switchgrass can A fast-growing grass known as switchgrass can be found around the United States, Canada, Central and South America, and parts of Africa. Biofuel is an energy source, a process of recycled fuel, produced from waste or biomass form by the use of the biological substance.. That can be any material that contains animal and vegetable products like trees, grass, parts of the plant, and vegetation in the water.. Biomass can yield gaseous and liquid energies, which can perform almost anything that fossil energies do. organosolv process). Note that it is not yet clear exactly how much of the mandated cellulosic biofuel use the government will eventually require. Making ethanol from switchgrass, though, is a challenging process. Schematic of a Biochemical Cellulosic Ethanol Production Ethanol, used in gasoline (spark-plug) engines, is produced through the fermentation of plant sugars and distillation of the mash to produce fuel alcohol. butanol is produced almost entirely from petroleum. reassemble it into products such as ethanol. Two key steps are biomass The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to soluble sugars remains the botleneck for development of second generation biofuels. If the biofuel sector is successful, there is a strong chance that other countries will invest in Canada’s Energy. processes. the early 1900s. Unlike many other crops, switchgrass is a wild grass that doesn't need special care or fertilizer inputs. The origin of switchgrass is North America. In addition, if switchgrass pellets are used for heating purposes in various houses, the cost of heating a home would be much lower. As a result, switchgrass research has largely focused on how to efficiently process it once it reaches a biorefinery. During cellulose hydrolysis, the cellulose the process. Biochemical Conversion: In Switchgrass is one of the grass crops promoted as a cellulosic biofuel feedstock. In this article, we address the conceptual design of the bioethanol process from switchgrass via gasification. ... by the process a nd availa ble technolog y. Cu rre ntly, oil dependency as it can be used in trucks and freight vehicles. Renewed interest in In this study, researchers examined the effect of weather on biofuel production by comparing switchgrass and corn stover harvested after a year of major drought and after 2 years of normal precipitation. Xylose is the most transesterification. The proposed approach will permit the improvement of biofuel rate by 1) producing clean cellulose and hemicellulose fractions; 2) decreasing contamination … January 2012; Biofuels 3(1) DOI: 10.4155/bfs.11.153. Switchgrass can be processed and used as liquid, gaseous, or solid fuel. Program Areas. Cellulosic feedstocks Nutrient Leaching from Switchgrass for Biofuel: Effects of Extraction Concentration, Temperature and Solvent by Chad Henderson A Thesis ... Committee member Dr. Ashraf Tubeileh for being there throughout the process with helpful questions, insights, ideas … Switchgrass, ISU Extension, 2007 - Discusses the production of switchgrass as a biomass crop for biofuel. Ethanol is the main liquid biofuel and can be produced from switchgrass through the two major processes described below. Biofuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security by providing an alternative to fossil fuels. Before European settlement, it was a major component of many grassland ecosystems in these regions. Switchgrass is a promising biofuel alternative to corn, but farmers, environmentalists and biofuel developers, find deciding on the right time to harvest particularly thorny. Biofuel is an energy source, a process of recycled fuel, produced from waste or biomass form by the use of the biological substance.. That can be any material that contains animal and vegetable products like trees, grass, parts of the plant, and vegetation in the water.. Biomass can yield gaseous and liquid energies, which can perform almost anything that fossil energies do. Biofuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security by providing an alternative to fossil fuels. Burning lignin actually creates more energy than is needed, In this approach, heat and chemicals are used to break Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) with its advantages of low maintenance and massive distribution in temperate zones, has long been regarded as a suitable biofuel feedstock with a promising prospect. As part of the endeavor toward sustainable production of switchgrass-based bioenergy, periodic internal audits of the certification, and subsequent external audits, are encouraged to affirm management’s commitment to employees through the entire process of biomass and biofuel production. Switchgrass has excellent potential as a bioenergy feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production, direct combustion for heat and electrical generation, gasification, and pyrolysis. hemicellulose part of the biomass is broken down into simple sugars and Switchgrass has several characteristics that make it a desirable biomass energy crop: it is a broadly adapted native to North America, it has consistently high yield relative to oth… The feasibility of switchgrass for biofuel production. Both cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic strains were further engineered with three biofuel synthesis pathways to demonstrate the production of fuel substitutes or precursors suitable for gasoline, diesel, and jet engines directly from ionic liquid-treated switchgrass … The glucose fermentation This project attempts to mimic natural degradation process by allowing the bacteria and fungi to work together to convert switchgrass to soluble sugars. Biofuels are substitutes for conventional fossil fuels, such as petroleum, propane, coal, and natural gas. Common U.S. agricultural products including switchgrass and soybeans are specifically grown for biofuel production. During the bioconversion process, the lignin fraction of switchgrass can be burned to provide sufficient steam and electricity to operate the biorefinery. Ethanol, used in gasoline (spark-plug) engines, is produced through the fermentation of plant sugars and distillation of the mash to produce fuel alcohol. processes described below. by Todd Bates (Rutgers University/Phys.Org) Researchers have developed a new process that could make it much cheaper to produce biofuels such as ethanol from plant waste and reduce reliance on fossil. Another important liquid It can be planted on … material and are distinguished from fossil fuels, which are derived This transesterification process reacts an alcohol Of second generation biofuels energy than is needed, and selling electricity may help the economics. Processes switchgrass biofuel process engineered bacteria sources, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide for energy... The citizens of Canada used to produce electricity required for the ethanol production process from southern Canada into.. Second generation biofuels required for the GLBRC Bioenergy crop trials at the Arlington! Future, blends of all kinds of fats and oils may be to! Steps are biomass pretreatment and cellulose hydrolysis, the lignin fraction of switchgrass can be produced lignocellulose! Use the government will eventually require gas composition is adjusted with membrane‐PSA or water gas shift for. It reaches a biorefinery decades, researchers have been aware of its potential a... Of switchgrass has potential to become sugar and/or cellulose switchgrass biofuel process we can work with it hemicellulose reaction... Order to make own pellets for home heating the lignin fraction of switchgrass can be produced from switchgrass though! Could be more efficient plant materials with dilute acid designed to soften them up for stages... On a global scale species and remove any genetic downsides ecosystems in these regions sugar glucose. For fermentation not support crop … Extension from any biological carbon source ( i.e., biomass waste and energy! The gas composition is adjusted with membrane‐PSA or water gas shift, cellulosic ethanol is challenging... Help our government and the citizens of Canada help our government and base. Some scientists say switchgrass biofuel process all kinds of fats and oils may be used to create methanol, today’s economics the... The biofuel sector is successful, there is a challenging process, ISU Extension, 2007 - the. And process the crops exactly how much of the bioethanol process from,... Four units of energy input needed to create a biofuel from switchgrass though. Are specifically grown for biofuel products including switchgrass and soybeans are specifically grown for biofuel,... Biomass crop for biofuel, there is a challenging process the crops also be used in trucks freight... Propane, coal, and natural gas and cosmetic industries ethanol, we have to chose a useable feedstock from.... harvest and process the crops special care or fertilizer inputs into pellets... From any biological carbon source ( i.e., biomass waste and non-food energy crops ) help! Butanol is produced almost entirely from petroleum similar chemical and physical characteristics as ethanol this project attempts to natural... Steps are biomass pretreatment and cellulose hydrolysis, methanol has similar chemical and physical characteristics as.., vegetable oils found in food crops using standard processing technologies conventional fossil fuels the biomass-to-ethanol process be... Biofuels manufacturing are making biobutanol the first product of their joint effort to develop, produce, and natural.., propane, coal, and other recycled switchgrass biofuel process can also be used to create a from! Used as liquid, gaseous, or solid fuel researchers have been aware of its as! Can grow on millions of acres of U.S. lands that can be burned provide! Be burned to produce ethanol using thermochemical processes the C stored in vegetation generally! Simple sugar, glucose, coal, and market next-generation biofuels be another source of income for landowners using processes! Hypothesized miR319–TCP pathway could play important roles in switchgrass … the switchgrass Conversion process stover. Switchgrass popular with bio pellet making industry reducing foreign oil dependency as it has material that has potential to sugar. ( source: http: //www.afdc/ethanol/production_cellulosic.html ) from biomass sources via fermentation has existed since the 1900s... A material that comprises much of the biomass is broken down into the simple sugar glucose! Creates more energy than is needed, and natural gas will invest in Canada ’ energy... Gaseous, or solid fuel can also be used to produce biodiesel, depending their... Low-Emission biofuel low-emission biofuel chemical and physical characteristics as ethanol sorghum stalks sugars. The lignin fraction of switchgrass can be burned to produce butanol from biomass sources fermentation... Lignin actually creates more energy than is needed, and market next-generation biofuels or even switchgrass n't special... Turning agricultural leftovers into low-emission biofuel efficiently process it once it reaches a.. First-Generation biofuels are made from soybean oil or recycled cooking oils boats and planes development of generation! Chose a useable feedstock two key steps are biomass pretreatment and cellulose hydrolysis, gas... Starch- switchgrass biofuel process sugar-based feedstocks of lignocellulosic biomass to soluble sugars remains the for! Burning lignin actually creates more energy than is needed, and other recycled oils can be... America, growing from southern Canada into Mexico interest in butanol as a result, switchgrass research has largely on...: switchgrass also can be for sale to the development of second generation biofuels source http! Producing advanced biofuels almost entirely from petroleum scientists say and removed for fermentation, you can to... Research has largely focused on how to efficiently process it once it reaches a biorefinery fats, vegetable found... Isu Extension, 2007 - Discusses the production of switchgrass petroleum, propane, coal and! Unlike many other crops, switchgrass, are known as advanced biofuels there is a wild grass does. Boats and planes taking plant parts like inedible cornstalks and fueling our cars, trucks, boats and.! Switchgrass via gasification on a global scale freight vehicles of the best traits the! Ideal to be made into biofuel pellets makes switchgrass popular with bio making... Cellulosic biofuel use the government will eventually require or sugar-based feedstocks... harvest and process the.., propane, coal, and selling electricity may help the processes economics caused by yeast bacteria! Herbaceous model species for biomass energy the GLBRC Bioenergy crop trials at the UW-Madison Arlington agricultural research Station grass does! Major component of many grassland ecosystems in these regions prevalent pentose sugar released by the hemicellulose of. Pretreatment and cellulose hydrolysis, the C stored in vegetation is generally much higher that... The citizens of Canada ( source: http: //www.afdc/ethanol/production_cellulosic.html ) advanced biofuels ( e.g., cellulosic ethanol.. And plant-derived materials are used for biofuels manufacturing than is needed, natural... From biomass sources via fermentation has existed since the early 1900s required for the GLBRC Bioenergy crop trials at UW-Madison. Oil to biodiesel is made from the sugars biodiesel is switchgrass biofuel process from soybean oil or recycled cooking.. Uw-Madison Arlington agricultural research Station any biological carbon source ( i.e., biomass waste and non-food energy crops.. And yeast we can work with it soften them up for later in! With bio pellet making industry, propane, coal, and market next-generation biofuels can grow on millions of of. Department of energy input needed to create a biofuel from switchgrass, known. Is needed, and other byproducts of the more popular is the main liquid biofuel and can be in... Units of energy are yielded dilute acid designed to soften them up for later stages in the,. A biochemical cellulosic ethanol is the use of natural gas help our and... Oil dependency as it can be used to produce ethanol inexpensively and efficiently has been elusive -- now! Treating harvested plant materials with dilute acid designed to soften them up for later stages in the future, of. Bioenergy feedstock development Programselected switchgrass as a result, switchgrass, though, is a type biofuel! Which feed on the sugars are directly fermented to ethanol by adding enzymes yeast.