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Switchgrass to Ethanol Production

Switchgrass to Ethanol Production. John Pangle April 12, 2007. Outline. Introduction Benefits of Switchgrass Problems Ethanol Fuel Energy Balance Conclusions. Introduction. Ethanol is a biofuel A form of stored solar energy Combined with gasoline to reduce fossil fuel consumption

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Switchgrass to Ethanol Production

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  1. Switchgrass to Ethanol Production John Pangle April 12, 2007

  2. Outline • Introduction • Benefits of Switchgrass • Problems • Ethanol Fuel Energy Balance • Conclusions

  3. Introduction • Ethanol is a biofuel • A form of stored solar energy • Combined with gasoline to reduce fossil fuel consumption • Most cars in the U.S. can operate with a mixture of 10% ethanol • Flex fuel vehicles

  4. Introduction • Warm season grass • Can be grown in most agricultural regions of North America • Grows 6 to 7 foot tall

  5. Benefits of Switchgrass • Help the US become less dependant on foreign oil • Provide more business for American farmers • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  6. Reduces soil erosion Improves wildlife habitat Can be co-produced for animal feed Improves carbon sequestration in farm soils Durable Moisture efficient Low Maintenance High Yield High energy conversion efficiency Benefits of Switchgrass

  7. Yields of Common Crops

  8. Problems • Requires a large energy input to process into ethanol • Requires a huge increase in industrialized farming • Could provoke farmers to grow switchgrass instead of other crops

  9. Ethanol Fuel Energy Balance • Some research claims that switchgrass has a negative EFEB, requiring 45 percent more fossil energy than the fuel produced • Other research has found that for every unit of energy input, switchgrass yields four units out • It is better to evaluate the fuel’s effects by comparing it with the fuel it replaces

  10. Research in Ethanol Production • In January 2007, Governor Phil Bredesen announced that his proposed 2007-08 State budget would include $72.6 million for a comprehensive alternative fuels strategy • ORNL and UT have been researching switchgrass to ethanol production

  11. Conclusions • There is a need to combine the efficient production and processing of sustainable and renewable energy sources • Increasing fuel efficiency in vehicles and becoming a more energy conscious society is the best long term solution

  12. Conclusions • Ethanol is a good alternative fuel choice, but is not enough to meet the current energy demands of the country • Ethanol could help to substantially reduce transportation’s fossil energy use

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