February 20, 2004

Biomass Energy Crops Investigated for Power and Heat Generation in Illinois

Using biomass energy crops as an environmentally-friendly, renewable source of energy for power and heat generation in Illinois is the focus of a new Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) funded by the State of Illinois through the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR). Already proven as a successful energy source in Europe, biomass crops could have a future in Illinois as a profitable new crop for farmers. "Rising fossil fuel prices, national concern over dependency on foreign energy, and the need to offset global warming all suggest that renewable biomass energy will be a major part of future agriculture," said Stephen Long, professor of plant biology and crop science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and project leader.

Governor Blagojevich signed legislation last year to help finance the construction of advanced technology coal power plants to help get the Illinois coal industry back on its feet. The development and production of biomass crops is expected to assist in this effort. Biomass crops contain minimal sulfur and could be co-combusted with coal in Illinois' coal-fired power stations to decrease air pollution and help them meet federal and state environmental and renewable energy standards. "Illinois is one of the first states to enact legislation requiring that power suppliers generate a minimum of 5% of energy from renewable resources by 2010 and 15% by 2020. Biomass crops would help power generators meet these requirements," said Long.

A multidisciplinary team of 13 UIUC scientists is investigating the use of perennial rhizomatous grasses, such as Miscanthus and switchgrass, as possible bioenergy crops as part of this five-year research initiative. Miscanthus and switchgrass are particularly well suited for this purpose and offer several attractive characteristics for farmers: as perennials, they are low-input crops needing no annual tillage or planting; the plants have no known pests or diseases; and nutrients are recycled back into the soil as the plants die back, so there is little fertilizer requirement. Miscanthus sequesters carbon in the soil at a rate of two tons per acre per year, giving it added value in the carbon credit market. As Miscanthus can be harvested any time between November and February providing fuel for winter combustion, and switchgrass is better suited for summer harvesting, researchers envision a future biomass energy cropping system that combines the two crops.

"Biomass crops can be planted alongside water drainage channels to reduce fertilizer runoff and provide cover for wildlife. This is expected to complement producer income from corn and soybean production. Based on the European experience, Illinois might expect yields of 11 to 17 tons per acre from Miscanthus, and at the prices currently suggested by power generators ($35 to $60 per ton) this would be very profitable, given that the crop requires very few inputs," said Long. At these yields, if 9% of the state was planted to the crop it would provide enough fuel for 50% of the state's current electricity use. Although not a native of Illinois, the form of Miscanthus being used is sterile and unable to form any seed, which precludes the risk of it becoming an invasive species. "Monitoring of trials for over 30 years in Denmark and England where Miscanthus is used commercially for electricity generation has shown that the plant does not spread, despite its remarkable productivity," said Long.

This C-FAR-funded research initiative aims to provide Illinois with the foundation and technology leadership for large-scale cultivation of perennial low-input/high-output bioenergy crops. By establishing research and development leadership, and stakeholder infrastructure in Illinois, the state will be positioned to meet the growing national demand for domestic renewable energy. It will also serve to attract federal and industrial support for research and development, pilot plants, and full-scale production of biomass crops and utilization technology.

"Governor Blagojevich has launched a comprehensive and strategic plan for our state's economic development, with the coal industry being one industry that can significantly improve our state's well-being. If we can further enhance the coal industry's vitality with the utilization of this biomass energy crop, it results in a win-win situation for not only the coal industry, but also for the agricultural industry and all Illinois citizens. We are pleased to be in a position to investigate this possibility," said Larry Fischer, C-FAR research chair.

C-FAR research funding is state-appropriated general revenue funds. C-FAR gratefully acknowledges the State of Illinois - Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor, for this financial investment in the future of Illinois' food and agricultural industry.

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