What kinds of plant biomass does ZeaChem convert into fuel?
ZeaChem is biomass agnostic and can use any kind of plant for its process. All plants contain relatively high levels of cellulose, the rigid structural compound, and lignin, the “glue” that holds plant cells together. Both are used in the ZeaChem biorefinery process. The primary factor in choosing the source of plant biomass is the productivity of the land used to grow the crop. We choose to use poplar trees because they grow abundantly throughout the world and replenish quickly on poor-quality soil, yielding a high volume of tons-per-acre per year. When biomass is harvested for the biorefinery, it is called feedstock. See the Cellulosic Ethanol and Feedstock fact sheets for more information.
