Articles tagged with Bioenergy
A collaborative study by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy has shown that an ionic liquid proven to be effective for pre-treating individual biofuel feedstocks is also effective at pre-treating multiple different feedstocks that have been mixed and densified into a blend. The study found that blending and densifying a wide...
A team of researchers led by Kansas State University's Xiuzhi Sun will study oilseed camelina to make it a cost-effective bioenergy and biobased product feedstock. The goal is to create a foundation for nonfood oilseeds as a resource for biofuels, chemicals, and bioproducts with minimal impact on food systems or the environment.
PaR-PaR allows researchers to create complicated protocols for robots within an hour after minimal training. The language is based on computer science principles and enables sharing of robotic protocols across laboratories.
The study suggests that a thorough reassessment of land availability for bioenergy production is needed to account for environmental and socio-economic constraints. Policy recommendations aim to resolve conflicting land-use demands and promote sustainable development.
A team of researchers investigated whether 'surplus' land can be used to produce feedstock for bioenergy. They found that land-use conflicts between food and energy production are a pressing issue. The study suggests clarifying the definition of surplus land and taking environmental and socio-economic factors into account.
A study by Magdalena Kuchler found that bioenergy's benefits are compromised by the need for cheap production, leading to monocultures, increased greenhouse emissions, and a loss of smallholder farmers' benefits. The current economic system prioritizes growth over environmental concerns.
Researchers at USDA's ARS have identified sorghum as a promising bioenergy crop thanks to its drought tolerance, versatility, and high biomass content. The plant can produce sugar that can be converted into biofuel, making it an attractive alternative for the southern US region.
The new hub will address pressing challenges in bioenergy, including reducing emissions and improving sustainability. It will focus on whole-life impact, cost-effective methods, and creating economic opportunities for the UK.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has received a five-year, $12.1 million grant to develop a new model plant system, Setaria viridis, to advance bioenergy grasses as a sustainable source of renewable fuels. The research focuses on improving drought resistance and water efficiency in these crops.
Researchers in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy analyze China's emerging energy trends, finding increased bioenergy utilization but still dispersed biomass resources. A study on cooking fuel transition suggests universal access to modern fuels could be achieved in urban areas by 2030 for a relatively low cost.
Researchers found that mesquite biomass can be a viable option for bioenergy use, with the potential to offset higher harvest and transport costs. The study estimated costs of delivered biomass at $347-561 per acre, depending on the density and harvesting scenario.
Biofuels' environmental benefits are overstated due to neglected GHG emissions and flawed Life Cycle Analysis models. The study highlights the omission of CO2 from vehicles using ethanol and biodiesel as a key contributor to this overestimation.
A Texas AgriLife Research team is conducting a 3-year study to analyze the benefits of converting traditional cotton land to grow switchgrass or biomass sorghum for bioenergy crops. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote agricultural sustainability.
A new study finds that preserving forests can curb climate change more effectively than harvesting wood as fuel. The research suggests that managing forests for maximal carbon storage can yield significant, predictable benefits within the coming century.
Researchers sequenced foxtail millet's genome to guide assembly of switchgrass genome, a perennial grass with multiple chromosome copies. The compact genome offers advantages for studying adaptation and developing genetic tools.
A computer model assesses ecological impacts and compares effectiveness of strategies to reduce biological diversity risks. The study shows that preserving fallow land and field margins can buffer unintended side-effects and prevent external costs.
A new analysis raises concerns that large-scale bioenergy production from forest biomass is unsustainable and will increase greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights potential ecological and economic drawbacks, including depleted soil nutrients, loss of biodiversity, and higher costs for bioenergy.
Research suggests that bioenergy crop expansion can harm farmland bird populations like the Skylark. However, integrating small natural areas into landscapes with diverse crop types and maintaining low field sizes may help conserve these species.
Researchers have completed the first high-resolution genetic map of miscanthus, a towering cane-like grass used as an energy crop. The mapping project has provided valuable markers to differentiate individual plants and improve breeding for faster and more efficient production.
Scientists have identified a promising maize hybrid that can produce ethanol from biomass, potentially reducing the need for fertilizers and creating a more sustainable feedstock. The hybrid combines beneficial traits of tropical and temperate maize, resulting in increased biomass production and ethanol output.
A University of Illinois study found that Miscanthus x giganteus is a strong contender for an alternative energy source. The bioenergy crop can be grown to produce ethanol and has shown positive environmental impacts, including erosion control.
Scientists have identified a gene family that can help breed grasses with improved properties for diet and bioenergy. The research, published in PNAS, could lead to the production of multi-use crops where grain is used for food and feed while straw is used to produce energy efficiently.
Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers have developed CAD-type models and simulations for RNA molecules, enabling the design of complex RNA-based control systems. These systems can process cellular information and program gene expression, holding enormous potential for microbial-based sustainable production of advanced biofuels.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab introduce a maize gene to switchgrass, doubling starch content and making it easier to extract fermentable sugars. The results offer a promising new approach for improving dedicated bioenergy crops.
The UK and India will collaborate on bioenergy research to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, with a focus on plant and algae processing. The joint call aims to tackle global challenges in this area, leveraging expertise from both nations.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are using genomics to improve poplar tree quality as a biofuels feedstock. The goal is to increase bioenergy crop production and reduce dependence on food crops, offering new options for American farmers.
A comprehensive study of tension wood reveals its unique features and links them to sugar release, which is crucial for producing biofuel. The research provides insight into the molecular and biochemical properties of tension wood, shedding light on how it can be used to design more suitable bioenergy crops.
A comprehensive study found that biofuels produced from West Coast forests would release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than current forest management practices. The study examined various forest types and management approaches, concluding that even optimal efficiency levels would increase emissions by up to 14%.
The University of Washington and Washington State University are leading two separate $40 million grants to develop a regional biofuels industry in the Pacific Northwest. The projects aim to produce cellulosic fuels from woody biomass, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Successful demonstration projects will lay the foundat...
Researchers found significant soil carbon sequestration under Miscanthus on former tilled land and grasslands after two years of planting. This study suggests that Miscanthus can help limit the release of greenhouse gases without adding to the carbon debt.
A recent study highlights the importance of considering water usage in bioenergy crop production, particularly with large grasses like miscanthus or switchgrass. The research found that these crops can increase net water use due to higher transpiration rates and land conversion's impact on hydrology.
A Kansas State University research team is conducting a three-year study to improve the genetic groundwork for turning sorghum into biofuel. The team aims to increase biomass yield by analyzing sorghum's genetic diversity and developing predictive models to optimize crop improvement.
The USDA and DOE have awarded grants to spur research into improving the efficiency of growing biofuel crops, including switchgrass, poplar, and Miscanthus. The goal is to develop more resilient crops that can thrive in challenging environments, reducing competition with food production.
Scientists have discovered a pretreatment method that makes plant cellulose five times more digestible by enzymes, enabling the production of ethanol from biomass. This breakthrough could make biomass an economically viable contender in the biofuels arena.
A new study links increased insecticide use in the US Midwest to landscape change, finding that simplification of agricultural landscapes boosts crop pest pressure. The research suggests that preserving or restoring semi-natural lands can reduce the need for insecticides and contribute to agricultural economies.
A GLBRC study links agricultural landscape simplification to crop pest abundance and increased insecticide use. Perennial bioenergy crops, such as switchgrass and mixed prairie, may mitigate negative effects.
A study on Miscanthus species reveals their potential as high-yield energy crops capable of growing on marginal land. The authors found that wild populations have genetic variation and adaptation that could provide valuable resources for the development of bioenergy crops.
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics proposes a framework to address ethical concerns in biofuel production, focusing on human rights, environmental sustainability, and fair trade. Biofuels are seen as a vital renewable energy source, but current policies have backfired, causing deforestation and displacing indigenous populations.
Researchers found that perennial bioenergy crops can significantly impact regional climate, with local cooling effects and altered water balance. The study suggests a broader perspective on the impacts of bioenergy conversion, beyond just carbon emissions.
A $4.7 million grant from the USDA will strengthen K-12 education related to sustainable bioenergy production in northern Wisconsin. The POSOH project aims to connect researchers, educators, and students from diverse backgrounds to prepare rural youth for bioenergy- and sustainability-related careers.
Two Agave species have yielded significantly more than other biofuel crops in independent studies, making them a promising alternative for global energy needs. The crop's potential to thrive in semi-arid regions without significant land demands offers a sustainable and environmentally-friendly production method.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new virus in switchgrass that can cause mosaic and yellow streak symptoms, reducing photosynthesis and biomass yield. The virus, Marafivirus, is related to Maize rayado fino virus and has the potential to affect other crops.
Researchers created a technoeconomic model to simulate critical factors in biorefinery operations, enabling cost-efficient production and analysis of various processing scenarios. The model provides a transparent and open platform for the community to share findings and direct research efforts.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that expanding bioenergy crops in the Upper Midwest could decrease bird species by 7-65% due to monoculture farming. In contrast, perennial cultures of prairie plants and grasses could increase biodiversity by 25-100%.
Nine Plant Feedstocks Genomics for Bioenergy awards have been given to ASPB members, who will explore ways to enhance productivity, yield and sustainability of plants as sources of biofuels. Researchers will investigate the role of microRNAs, small RNA molecules and genetic diversity in improving bioenergy crops.
Researchers at the University of Illinois will study the effects of the Glossy15 gene system on sorghum biomass production. The goal is to develop economically and environmentally sustainable crops with improved biomass yields and conversion to bioenergy.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a new genetic map of switchgrass, which is expected to speed up the search for genes that make the perennial plant more viable as a biofuel source. The genetic map divides the switchgrass genome into 18 distinct groups of genes linked together on the same strand of DNA.
A new report by FARA and Imperial College London reveals that crops can be produced for bioenergy on a significant scale in west, eastern, and southern Africa without harming food production or natural habitats. The study suggests that policies are needed to address potential conflicts, but views bioenergy as crucial to unlocking Afric...
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will build an Advanced Biofuels Process Development Unit, a first-of-its-kind facility for public use. The facility will accelerate the commercialization of next-generation biofuels by providing industry-scale test beds for innovative technologies.
Researchers discovered gribble's digestive system contains enzymes that break down wood polymers, offering clues for industrial conversion. This could lead to the production of biofuels produced with gribble enzymes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The USDA has completed sequencing the genome of Brachypodium distachyon, a wild grass similar to switchgrass, which will aid in developing more resilient and efficient biofuel crops. The study's findings may lead to improved disease resistance, drought tolerance, and cell wall composition for better ethanol production.
A new miscanthus rhizome root harvester and planter will be unveiled at the Bioenergy Feedstocks Symposium, reducing harvesting and planting costs by 50%. The Rizomgen Harvester/Planter package has shown a 200% increase in rhizome collection over manual systems.
A fixable error in carbon counting could undermine biofuels' effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Correct accounting is crucial to mitigate climate change and protect investments. Bioenergy can capture more carbon than existing plants, but cutting down forests to replace them releases more CO2.
A team of scientists identified an error in climate treaty accounting rules for bioenergy that could encourage deforestation. The error stems from exempting carbon dioxide from bioenergy use without counting land-use emissions, creating perverse incentives to clear land.
An international team of top climate scientists has found a critical error in the carbon accounting method used to measure compliance with carbon limits. The flaw could create strong economic incentives for large-scale land conversion, which would exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.
A study outlines a strategy for growing bioenergy while protecting wildlife habitats. The approach involves using perennial-dominated prairies as feedstocks to minimize harm to wildlife. Harvesting diverse prairie can avoid loss of wildlife habitat and high fertilizer runoff associated with corn ethanol cultivation.
A study by Michigan Technological University researchers suggests that using native prairie plants to produce bioenergy can reduce the negative impacts of crop-based biofuels on wildlife habitats. The conversion of grasslands to corn for ethanol production is posing a significant threat to bird species and freshwater ecosystems.
Incorporating native, perennial plants into biofuels production can significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and improve water quality. The research aims to make biofuels economically and environmentally sustainable, with potential applications in other regions.
The UK has launched a £27M bioenergy research centre to develop sustainable fuels and reduce carbon emissions. The centre will focus on improving crop yields, changing plant cell walls, and analyzing the economic life cycle of bioenergy sources.
Research by Michigan State University scientists found that monoculture corn landscapes reduce beneficial insects' ability to control pests, increasing pesticide use and yield losses. The study estimates the value of biological pest control service in soybeans to be about $240 million each year.