Bush and Automakers talk fuels

Ethanol is the fuel of choice and debate.

New Biofuels Process

"The new approach modifies conventional methods for producing liquid fuels from biomass by adding hydrogen from a 'carbon-free' energy source, such as solar or nuclear power, during a step called gasification. Adding hydrogen during this step suppresses the formation of carbon dioxide and increases the efficiency of the process, making it possible to produce three times the volume of biofuels from the same quantity of biomass, said Rakesh Agrawal, Purdue's Winthrop E. Stone Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering." (Emphasis added).

Now, is this too good to be true? (via SAF)

Why don't we have an elite, Manhattan Project-like team working on this so that we can solve this energy problem faster?

Use of Brownfields for woody biomass production

SUNY-ESF has been making a lot news lately in the realm of biomass energy research and development. Now they have found a use for a brownfield site: production of woody biomass for use in a power plant. The site has high alkaline soils and managers also apply yard waste to produce willow shrubs. It is important to note that the site was not contaminated with heavy metals and that the harvested shrubs were tested for contaminants before being allowed to be chipped and burned for power generation (via SAF).

Not all brownfield sites are suited for woody biomass production. Different contaminants and other pieces of site history must be taken into account.