Another good candidate for alternate fuel source is the Switchgrass. The Switchgrass is described as a “Perennial Graminoid” and is native to America. The active period for this grass to grow is in summer. The life span of Switchgrass is long as compared to other plant species. The Switchgrass has rapid growth. The grass can grow from 5 ft to 12 ft. Most of the growth takes place in summer. The Switchgrass is resistant to drought and requires little attention or any fertilizer.
How fuel is produced from switchgrass feedstock - The Switchgrass is used as raw material to produce a distilled fuel known as Cellulosic ethanol. The Cellulosic fuel is derived by a chemical process , which involve breaking the Cellulose (Cell Wall in Plant) into basic components. Further, Yeast is assed and is left for fermentation process to create alcohol. Once alcohol goes through refined process, the resultant Ethanol can be used as Fuel.
It has become attractive biomass feedstock in North America with less attention needed and farming methods compatible to regular farming methods. It’s growth is fast, good receptor of solar energy and produces lot of chemical energy (Cellulose). The Cellulose can be burned directly or liquefied/gasified. The best part about switch grass is that its root reach out deep in soil for water.
Since this plant is native to land and because of this it has adapted it to local climate and condition very well. Lot of research in underway to increase and multifold the output of switch grass fuel, it will be some time before it is a viable source of energy. The researches need to figure out how it can be cultivated in different climate with less fertilizers and with minimum attention from farmers.
This website gives basic information about alternate energies, which can be used as alternative source to oil. The author of this website is not environmentalist or an expert on fuel. The information provided here is understanding of webmaster. If you find any information incorrect, please contact webmaster. The webmaster of this website believes in clean and environment friendly technologies as oppose to petroleum and diesel.