Author
 |
Richard Jr, Edward |
|
Anderson, William - Bill |
|
Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2013 Publication Date: 2/1/2014 Citation: Richard Jr, E.P., Anderson, W.F. 2014. Sugarcane, energy cane and napiergrass. In: D.L. Karlen (ed.) Cellulosic energy cropping systems, Wiley, New Delhi, India. p. 91-108. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates that 16 billion of the targeted 36 billion gallons of biofuels must be derived from cellulosic sources. Sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) as a biofuel feedstock has the tremendous potential as a source of this biofuel. Sugarcane is a major agronomic crop that is grown in approximately 80 countries within the latitudes of 30°N and 35°S. Utilization of the entire above-ground sugarcane plant and the development of high fiber/low Brix types of sugarcane as a potential bioenergy feedstock for cellulosic conversion technologies has been reviewed. Sugarcane grown solely for the production of energy is commonly referred to as energycane. For energy cane to be sustainable, it must economically produce high and consistent yields. Napiergrass, [Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schum.], also known as elephantgrass is native to equatorial Africa and is a major forage crop in the wet tropics of the world. It resembles sugar or energy cane in stature and in methods of propagation. It is considered a viable feedstock for bioenergy due to the perennial nature and yields similar to energy cane in Florida and Georgia. This paper discusses the possible utilization of these crops as dedicated bioenergy feedstock in sub-tropically areas of the United States. |
