Posted on 02/01/2006 8:26:01 AM PST by cogitator
I was just impressed that the President's speech included a mention of switchgrass, which could become an important feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production.
"We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We will also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn but from wood chips and stalks or switchgrass. Our goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within six years."
I thought he had erred. In early reports I thought they mentioned marsh grass like salt march cord grass and I thought difficult to harvest.
Looks like switch grass is a better product and a boon for agricultural land that is rapidly becoming unproductive as old folks die off.
I haven't seen the cost benefit figures yet however.
Last week I uncovered all my old solar collector files dating from the 70's. Need to study up.
Aren't corn, wheat and barley grasses?
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