What is the likely delivered cost of switchgrass in the U.S., per dry ton?
The projected cost depends on where you are located, because of a variety of factors such as differences in yields, different input prices, and differences in the profitability of alternative uses for the land occupied by the switchgrass. In some areas, small quantities could be available at “farmgate” prices as low as $25/ U.S. ton (multiply by approximately 1.1 for metric tonnes or imperial tons). However, most parts of the U.S. would require farmgate prices of $30-40/t to encourage significant amounts of switchgrass production. Transport costs of $5-15/t should be added to farmgate prices for delivery to conversion facilities at distances from 5 to 50 miles. [Source: Ugarte, Walsh, Shapouri and Slinsky (1999) The Economic Impacts of Bioenergy Crop Production in U.S.
