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Future DirectionIn addition to the markets currently available for Miscanthus BICAL is actively developing other end uses. A crop such as Miscanthus, capable of producing large amounts of biomass can be used for a number of different processing routes. These include a feedstock for paper pulp production, eco-ethanol and for hydrogen evolution for fuel cells. BICAL has the capability to establish the large areas required to meet these markets.To further these markets BICAL is involved in research projects and commercial ventures that are taking this potential forward. Outline details of these projects are given below, please contact BICAL for further details. Bio-ethanol production from Miscanthus - The production of ethanol from agricultural residues and waste products is already occurring. To meet both an expansion in demand and resource pressures for efficient production systems and land use, high yielding lignocellulosic crops like Miscanthus are required. Miscanthus is being studied within an EU project (SSPE-CT-2005-006581) which is examining the potential for bio-ethanol production from Miscanthus. Studies have shown that production of bio-ethanol from lignocellulosic crops such as Miscanthus is a more efficient route than through use of grain or cereal products, as reviewed in the Science Publication January 2006. Miscanthus paper pulp production – BICAL is working with the leader in non wood pulping technology development Chempolis to further Miscanthus pulping production. Chempolis has developed new technology which is capable of efficient, high quality paper production, which is cost effective and environmentally sound. Non wood paper production, also dovetails perfectly with large scale biomass fuel supply, as through the pulping process high quality fuel is also produced. For further details of this development, please contact BICAL. Download Paper pulp research PDF  Image courtesy of Chempolis, non wood paper plant Fuel cell hydrogen evolution from Miscanthus – Fuel cells are an exciting development for future energy supply, that are powered by hydrogen or other fuels. Miscanthus is a suitable feedstock for hydrogen evolution for this purpose, for similar reasons as for bio-ethanol, that it can produce large yields cost and environmentally effectively. This potential examine and develop this potential. Download Pretreatment of Miscanthus for hydrogen production by Thermotoga elffi PDF Whilst the above ground cane produced by Miscanthus has a number of environmentally positive end uses, the process of growing the crop also confers significant benefits. By growing a perennial crop such as Miscanthus, considerable benefits in terms of carbon sequestration are delivered. This is through the lack of annual soil tillage (which releases carbon) and through carbon storage in below ground organ sinks. It has been estimated that if Miscanthus was produced on 10% of the land in the EU it would save 9% of the required EU CO2 emissions. Download Biomass production from Miscanthus in Europe PDF BICAL has formed a partnership with Environmentally Correct Concepts Inc in Illinois USA to utilise their patented technology for carbon sequestration quantification. BICAL is also working with ECCI and farmer partners in the USA to establish commercial Miscanthus production. BICAL and ECCI will be making further announcements in this area shortly. |
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