An Assessment of Crop Production for Energy in Australia

Abstract

SUMMARY The possibility of using solar energy by taking advantage of the ability of green plants to convert radiant energy to the chemical energy of reduced carbon compounds has recently been advocated. This paper assesses the economic and technical feasibility of producing energy by this means in Australia. The utilisation of such wastes as sawmill residues, urban refuse and cereal straw is considered. Then the possibility of growing crops as a source of energy is examined, and five potential crops are assessed. The various means of converting crop materials to a more convenient form of synthetic liquid or gaseous fuel are described. It is concluded that large scale production of energy crops would be economically unattractive, but more limited use of wastes and unused portions of crops could make a valuable contribution to energy supply in Australia.