U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
2014
Citation
Cellulosic Energy Cropping Systems, First Edition. Edited by Douglas L. Karlen.
Abstract
Plant biomass has been recognized globally as an important link to a sustainable energy future because it can be grown universally and converted into liquid transportation fuels or other material through biochemical, thermochemical, or catalytic conversion processes. However, those potential benefits must be viewed in the context of other global societal needs (i.e., food, feed, fiber, potable water, carbon storage in ecosystems, and preservation of native habitats and biodiversity) that must also be met by plant biomass growing on a finite amount of arable land. The development of cellulosic feedstocks for biofuels and other bioproducts must be accomplished in an economically viable, environmentally benign, and socially sustainable manner. This task is feasible throughout the world, as illustrated by examples from Brazil, China, and India.
In Brazil, the primary cellulosic feedstock will be the straw and bagasse from the sugarcane industry. Traditionally, the strawwas burned prior to harvest but increasing public concern has resulted in a phasing out of burning throughout the main sugarcane-growing regions of the country. Efforts to develop economically viable second generation ethanol production using these materials have been supported by investments from the Brazilian government through new research institutions, such as the Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE) and Embrapa Agroenergy. National and state research funding agencies as well as the Brazilian Bank for Economic and Social Development have also provided support for these endeavors.
Comments
U.S. government work.