Processing Switchgrass to Biofuel
Processing Switchgrass to Biofuel
Biofuels are defined as liquid, gaseous, or solid fuels derived from recently dead biological material and are distinguished from fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead biological material. Theoretically, biofuels can be produced from any biological carbon source (i.e., biomass waste and non-food energy crops). Various plants and plant-derived materials are used for biofuels manufacturing. Switchgrass belongs to the family of cellulosic feed stocks that might not compete with food crops and have higher energy output per unit input compared to corn. Switchgrass can be processed and used as liquid, gaseous, or solid fuel. Fuels derived from non-grain sources, such as switchgrass, are known as advanced biofuels.
