Jan 18 2010
ArborGen and Range Fuels are collaborating on a project to study the usefulness of biomass as a source of cellulose for biofuels. A variety of non-food biomass feedstock is being examined by Range Fuels to find the ones that can be economically and most efficiently converted to cellulosic biofuels. Cutting-edge technologies will enable companies to find the appropriate type of biomass required for specific green energy uses.
Demonstration plots of hardwoods and pine were planted by ArborGen in the fall of the year 2008. This was carried out near commercial cellulosic biofuels plant of Range Fuels’ that is at present under construction near Soperton, Georgia. These plots will be utilized to find the most suitable type of trees that can be grown in the Soperton area and how these trees can be effectively used to convert plant cellulose to cellulosic biofuels.
Through this research, Range Fuels will be able to understand the logistical, economic and environmental issues involved in the management, planting, storage, transportation and harvesting of purpose grown trees as a biofuels feedstock.
Barbara Wells, CEO and President of ArborGen, insisted on the need to understand the role of a tree as a feedstock for cellulosic biofuels as part of the research that must be carried out in the United States as the company attempts to meet the goals for green energy laid down by the Obama Administration.
Wells further remarked that varied plants from different sources will have to be used to fulfill the requirements of these energy goals. Wells stated that ArborGen working with Range Fuels is an important step in deciding the efficient methods that could be used for producing and supplying cellulosic biofuels.
David Aldous, CEO of Range Fuels, remarked that Range Fuels partnership with ArborGen contributes to the efforts taken by Range Fuels in investigating how alternative renewable biomass feedstock can be used in the two-step thermo-chemical conversion process to produce clean renewable power and low carbon biofuels in a cost-effective manner. Aldous further stated that the high yielding biomass explored and developed by ArborGen is capable of further reducing the already existing low greenhouse gas emissions and improving the operating cost structure profile of cellulosic biofuels.
Source: http://www.arborgen.com/