New technologies essential to make conversion of biomass to biofuels more cost-effective
July 17th, 2009 - 2:35 pm ICT by ANIWashington, July 17 (ANI): A new study has determined that new technologies are essential to make the conversion of biomass to biofuels more cost-effective.
The study was conducted by Dr. Richard Hess from the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls in the US and his team.
The United States is increasing the use of lignocellulosic biomass, of which corn stover is a substantial source, as part of its portfolio of solutions to address climate change issues and improve energy security.
As biorefining conversion technologies become commercial, major barriers to the availability of corn stover for biorefining are emerging, including feedstock availability, supply system logistics and characteristics of the biomass material itself.
These barriers challenge the cost-effectiveness of current feedstock logistics systems.
Dr. Hess and his colleagues look at the costs associated with every step of the corn supply system and determine to what extent conventional technologies can make the system more efficient to achieve the feedstock logistics costs target of consuming less than 25 percent of the production cost of biofuels.
The researchers also identify opportunities and barriers to be addressed in order to achieve cost-efficiency.
The researchers show that by simply improving equipment efficiency, without technological changes, the conventional corn supply system design cannot achieve the cost performance goals.
Improved technologies and new supply system designs are necessary to address the challenges posed by the properties of the materials themselves.
According to the researchers, changes and improvements in agronomy and crop production are also essential to improve crop residue yields. (ANI)
- Indian-origin scientist unveils new, efficient technique of biofuel production - Jul 01, 2010
- Scientists develop eco-friendly alternatives for petrochemical fuels - Jun 20, 2009
- Grass could be bioenergy crop of the future, say Indian-origin scientists - Nov 02, 2010
- Scientists say growing grain for food, not fuel, more energy efficient - Apr 20, 2010
- Plant and forestry waste might replace a third of gasoline use by 2030 - Feb 11, 2009
- Switchgrass could be used to produce biomass efficiently - Nov 24, 2009
- Strategy outlined for growing bioenergy while protecting wildlife - Oct 01, 2009
- Modified yeast could lead to more efficient, economical biofuel production - Aug 20, 2010
- Nanotechnology makes biofuel development a cost-effective and 'green' process - Oct 09, 2009
- Algae seen as cheapest, greenest bio-diesel source - Feb 18, 2011
- Cheap, high-yield 'bio-oil' could reduce reliance on fossil fuels - Nov 26, 2010
- New heating system for homes may cut greenhouse gas emissions - Sep 25, 2010
- US to invest $510 mn in advanced biofuels - Aug 17, 2011
- Two Indian firms win clean energy awards - Jun 17, 2011
- Renewable energy next big thing: World Bank - Feb 11, 2011
Tags: agronomy, biomass, climate change issues, conventional corn, conventional technologies, conversion technologies, corn supply, cost efficiency, crop production, crop residue, energy security, feedstock, idaho national laboratory, improved technologies, logistics costs, logistics systems, performance goals, richard hess, substantial source, target