Energy Cane Research Articles

Screening herbaceous lignocellulosic energy crops in temperate regions of the United States

Data have been collected from five species screening and selection trials in the Midwest/Lake States and in the Southeast since 1985 and from two trials in Iowa and North Dakota since 1988. Results to date indicate that species must be selected by region. Sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has had yields near 30 dry Mg ha −1 in the Midwest but only 8 to 10 dry Mg ha −1 in the Southeast. Energy cane ( Saccharum spp.) and napiergrass ( Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) have had yields near 30 dry Mg ha −1 in the Southeast. Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) has done well at many sites. Cool-season perennials have produced poor yields in the Southeast and moderate yields similar to warm-season perennials at wet sites in the Lake States. Double cropping with sorghum has provided mixed results. Research indicates that gains can be made by selecting within a species.

Co-combustion of waste, biomass and natural gas

The University of Florida-Sunland Training Center-Clean Combustion Technology Laboratory is engaged in a program of research, development and demonstration on co-combustion of non-hazardous waste (NHW) with cellulosic biomass (CB) and natural gas (NG) using a restored two-stage incinerator. The objective is to develop waste-to-energy systems technologies leading to the greater use of NHW and CB, two renewable sources of energy. Various types of CB are considered including ‘dirty wood chips’ from forest residues, utility line clearing operations, tree surgeon residues, Christmas trees, pine cones, and cultivated energy crops such as leucaena, eucalyptus, napiergrass, energy cane, and agricultural residues. This work, which reports on the initial exploratory experiments, points to systems arranged to coburn NHW, CB and NG which can provide environmentally safe solid-waste disposal and economical sources of steam energy.

The potential impact of high-test molasses from energy cane on the rum industry of Puerto Rico

Based upon a literature review and interviews the author finds potential for decreasing rum production costs by adopting energy-cane-derived high-test molasses (HTM). A supply of domestically produced HTM could lessen the risk of disrupted rum production due to shortfalls in molasses imports. The Puerto Rican government accordingly stands to gain from assured future revenue streams from rebated federal excise taxes on rum, particularly in light of increased new competition under the CBI. Environmental benefits, though small, appear positive. The government should consider encouraging energy cane production and the use of HTM by facilitating HTM price negotiations.