New technologies essential to make conversion of biomass to biofuels more cost-effective

Washington, July 17 (ANI): A new study has determined that new technologies are essential to make the conversion of biomass to biofuels more cost-effective.

The study was conducted by Dr. Richard Hess from the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls in the US and his team.

The United States is increasing the use of lignocellulosic biomass, of which corn stover is a substantial source, as part of its portfolio of solutions to address climate change issues and improve energy security.

As biorefining conversion technologies become commercial, major barriers to the availability of corn stover for biorefining are emerging, including feedstock availability, supply system logistics and characteristics of the biomass material itself.

These barriers challenge the cost-effectiveness of current feedstock logistics systems.

Dr. Hess and his colleagues look at the costs associated with every step of the corn supply system and determine to what extent conventional technologies can make the system more efficient to achieve the feedstock logistics costs target of consuming less than 25 percent of the production cost of biofuels.

The researchers also identify opportunities and barriers to be addressed in order to achieve cost-efficiency.

The researchers show that by simply improving equipment efficiency, without technological changes, the conventional corn supply system design cannot achieve the cost performance goals.

Improved technologies and new supply system designs are necessary to address the challenges posed by the properties of the materials themselves.

According to the researchers, changes and improvements in agronomy and crop production are also essential to improve crop residue yields. (ANI)