What Cost, Biomass for Fuel?

Authors

Richard K. Perrin, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kassu Wamisho, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Dereje B. Megeressa, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Richard K. Perrin

Date of this Version

1-2012

Document Type

Article

Citation

Cornhusker Economics (January 2012)

Comments

Published by University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Department of Agricultural Economics. Copyright © [2012] Board of Regents, University of Nebraska. http://agecon.unl.edu/cornhuskereconomics

Abstract

Biomass has a prominent role in discussions of future United States energy supplies. Why? Because it could reduce our dependence on foreign petroleum supplies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to using petroleum or other fossil fuels.

What is meant by biomass for fuel? Generally, the term is used to designate either crop residues such as corn stover or dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass and poplar trees. Technically of course, grains themselves are biomass and they can be used for fuel as well.