Biofuels won’t solve all U.S. energy problems, alfalfa seed industry told
Biofuels have a place in filling U.S. energy needs, but they can’t solve the entire problem.
Cellulosic ethanol can be part of it, but the necessary technology development probably won’t come as fast as is hoped, some 160 members of the Northwest Alfalfa Seed Growers Association heard here Monday.
There are currently no U.S. ethanol plants using cellulose as their seed stock, said Don Wysocki, Oregon State University extension soil scientist stationed at Pendleton, Ore. The first one is likely five to 10 years away from construction.
Biodiesel processing is expanded rapidly, but feedstock supplies are an issue, Wysocki said.
“Most biofuel production is in the corn belt. Our main population centers are on the eastern seaboard,” he said. “Right now, transportation is mainly via truck or rail, but there’s a shortage of railcars. Ethanol is corrosive, so a pipeline isn’t the answer right now. We’re working on that.”
Leave your response!
You must be logged in to post a comment.