Wales to study biofuel from grass
Scientists in Wales, UK, are looking into a research project aiming to turn grass into a green transport fuel.
The £1 million (€1.16 million) ‘grassohol’ research project aims to develop commercially and economically viable processes to make ethanol from perennial ryegrass, the most commonly sown grass in the UK, which is normally used for grazing or silage.
The project, led by the recently formed Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University, could provide a significant and sustainable economic boost for rural communities and make an invaluable contribution to renewable energy targets while also reducing carbon emissions.
Ryegrasses with high extractable sugar contents will be utilised in the project that will examine the best methods of extracting and fermenting the sugar and of maximising yields and rates of ethanol production.
The dried residue after fermentation and distillation is rich in protein and has the potential to be converted into animal feed.
One hectare of grassland could produce up to 4,500 litres of ethanol and it is envisaged that local refineries could be established on farms at a similar scale of production to wine co-operatives.
In the UK ryegrass offers a far more sustainable and acceptable solution that does not compete directly with the food industry. It is cheap and easy to grow, farmers already have the necessary expertise and equipment to manage, harvest and store grass.
The £1 million (€1.16 million) ‘grassohol’ research project aims to develop commercially and economically viable processes to make ethanol from perennial ryegrass, the most commonly sown grass in the UK, which is normally used for grazing or silage.
The project, led by the recently formed Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University, could provide a significant and sustainable economic boost for rural communities and make an invaluable contribution to renewable energy targets while also reducing carbon emissions.
Ryegrasses with high extractable sugar contents will be utilised in the project that will examine the best methods of extracting and fermenting the sugar and of maximising yields and rates of ethanol production.
The dried residue after fermentation and distillation is rich in protein and has the potential to be converted into animal feed.
One hectare of grassland could produce up to 4,500 litres of ethanol and it is envisaged that local refineries could be established on farms at a similar scale of production to wine co-operatives.
In the UK ryegrass offers a far more sustainable and acceptable solution that does not compete directly with the food industry. It is cheap and easy to grow, farmers already have the necessary expertise and equipment to manage, harvest and store grass.
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