cenusa – Page 2 – Farm Energy

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Renmatix Processes Biomass into Sugars for Industrial Use

Technology patented by Renmatix enables the manufacture of industrial sugars from biomass on a scale that is commercially cost-effective.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Introduction
From Biomass to Sugars
Benefits of Supercritical Water
Customers Rebuild Biorefiners based on Plantrose™ Process
Building a Renewable Economy
For More Information
Contributors to This Case Study

Introduction 

Renmatix, a leading technology licensor for the conversion of biomass into cellulosic sugar, is a commercial partner of CenUSA Bioenergy, and …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Biofuel Quality Improved by Delaying Harvest of Perennial Grass

Research shows how a simple management strategy can decrease nitrogen contaminants in perennial grasses, while also providing additional ecosystem services.

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why is This Important?
For More Information
Contributors to this Summary

Photo: Rob Mitchell, USDA-ARS.

Abstract

Nitrogen ash and other mineral matter can be a problem in processing perennial grasses into biofuel through the fast pyrolysis method. Delaying biomass harvest …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Current USDA NIFA AFRI CAPs

USDA-NIFA (National Institute for Food and Agriculture) currently funds 7 bioenergy Coordinated Agricultural Projects (CAPs) through Agricultural and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Grants.

AFRI CAP Biofuel Feedstocks and Project Locations

Explore the NIFA Bioenergy CAPs:

Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest (AHB)
Lead Institute: University of Washington
Awarded: 2011
Feedstock: Purpose grown woody crops (e.g. poplar)
Conversion platform target: Hybrid bio/thermochemical conversion
Industrial Partners: ZeaChem Inc.

Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA)
Lead Institute: Washington State University
Awarded: 2011
Feedstock: Forestry residuals
Conversion …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Recent Publications About Biochar

There is a lot of interest in biochar as a soil amendment and for its potential role in sequestering carbon to ameliorate the effects of climate change. CenUSA is evaluating biochar impacts on farm and garden crops production. Research is active and ongoing, and this list of recommended readings provides links to publications about different aspects of biochar production and use.

Please note that most of these links go to abstracts provided by professional journals; many of the full articles …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Fast Pyrolysis Efficiently Turns Biomass into Renewable Fuels

Fast pyrolysis holds promise for producing heating and transportation biofuels for the renewable energy market. This article describes how fast pyrolysis works, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it might fit into our renewable energy future.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Introduction
The Fast Pyrolysis Process
Bio-Oil
Advantages and Disadvantages
Summary
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

Introduction

Processing biomass feedstocks such as perennial grasses, woody plants, and agricultural residues into useful fuel …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Competition For Land Use—Why Would a Rational Producer Grow Switchgrass for Biofuel?

Farmers value the conservation and environmental benefits of switchgrass grown for biofuels but also consider profit, alternative land uses, and public policy incentives when making production decisions.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
Introduction
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why Is This Important?
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

Abstract

Switchgrass production must compete with other potential land uses and be profitable for growers, and biofuel markets for perennial grasses …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Resources from CenUSA – Sustainable Production and Distribution of Bioenergy for the Central USA

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

CenUSA BLADES Newsletter

CenUSA Bioenergy is a coordinated research and education effort investigating the creation of a regional system in the Central US for producing advanced transportation fuels from perennial grasses on land that is either unsuitable or marginal for row crop production. In addition to producing advanced biofuels, the proposed system will improve the sustainability of existing cropping systems by reducing agricultural runoff of nutrients in soil and increasing carbon sequestration.…

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Safety and Health Risks of Producing Biomass on the Farm

It is time to develop ways to minimize safety and health hazards in biomass production on the farm, an area in which there has been little research

Switchgrass baling on steep marginal land presents a rollover hazard. Photo: Douglas Schaufler, Penn State.

Abstract
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why This Is Important
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

Abstract

With increasing numbers of farmers growing biomass for renewable energy uses, new risks of …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Biochar: Prospects of Commercialization

Learn all about biochar–what it is, and how it benefits soils and the climate by sequestering carbon.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

What is Biochar?
How is Biochar Produced?
What are the Benefits of Biochar?
Climate Change Mitigation
How is Biochar Currently Being Produced and Used?
The State of the Biochar Industry
CenUSA Bioenergy
Some Examples of New Biochar Companies
References and Additional Information
Contributors to This Article

What is Biochar?

Biochar is charred …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

The Economics of Switchgrass for Biofuel

The profitable production of switchgrass for biofuel today depends primarily on the price of oil, as well as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Production Costs Hinge on Yields
Market Value of Switchgrass
The Role of Competing Fuel Products
Use of Marginal Land for Switchgrass
Potential Markets for Switchgrass
Nonmarket Value of Switchgrass
Summary
For Additional Information
Contributors to This Article

Introduction

In the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) legislation passed …

Tag: cenusa

Renmatix Processes Biomass into Sugars for Industrial Use

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research Summary: Biofuel Quality Improved by Delaying Harvest of Perennial Grass

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Abstract

Current USDA NIFA AFRI CAPs

Recent Publications About Biochar

Fast Pyrolysis Efficiently Turns Biomass into Renewable Fuels

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research Summary: Competition For Land Use—Why Would a Rational Producer Grow Switchgrass for Biofuel?

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Abstract

Resources from CenUSA – Sustainable Production and Distribution of Bioenergy for the Central USA

Sponsoring Partner

Research Summary: Safety and Health Risks of Producing Biomass on the Farm

Table of Contents

Abstract

Biochar: Prospects of Commercialization

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

What is Biochar?

The Economics of Switchgrass for Biofuel

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Introduction