Up to five million gallons a year was touted as the potential size of the pilot biorefinery. Will the reduction in biorefinery capacity affect the need for switchgrass or other feedstocks?
While it is true that the new scale for the pilot biorefinery will need fewer tons of switchgrass for the production of cellulosic ethanol, significant amounts of switchgrass are still expected to be needed to satisfy R&D needs in feedstock development. First, commercial-scale biorefineries will need significant quantities of feedstock, including switchgrass, corn cobs and other biomass. Second, the UTBI is interested in developing a portfolio of uses for bioenergy crops, further reducing risk for farmers and stabilizing supplies. For example, research results show promise that switchgrass can be economically processed into pellets and then burned to produce steam and other forms of energy and power. This sort of application would also contribute to the mission of UTBI to enhance the nation’s energy independence through farm-based commodities. Additionally, research is being performed on the possible use of switchgrass as forage for cattle and potential wildlife and conservation manage
