The great energy harvest

Renewable energy crops could provide clean fuel sources and industrial chemicals, while reviving rural areas. The Department of Energy is encouraging energy crop and energy conversion systems tailored to the resources and needs of specific US regions. Crops to be tested include elephant grass, eucal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Futurist 1993-05, Vol.27 (3), p.34
Main Authors: Chum, Helena Li, Overend, Ralph, Phillips, Julie A
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Agribusiness
Agricultural Occupations
Agricultural Production
Agriculture
Alternative energy sources
Biodiesel fuels
Change Agents
Crops
Developed Nations
Diesel fuels
Energy
Energy crops
Energy resources
Extension Agents
Fossil fuels
Fuels
Future
National Programs
Pilot Projects
R&D
Research and Development
Rural Areas
Rural Urban Differences
Soil erosion
Soil Science
Technology
Transportation
Urban Areas
Wastes
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Summary:Renewable energy crops could provide clean fuel sources and industrial chemicals, while reviving rural areas. The Department of Energy is encouraging energy crop and energy conversion systems tailored to the resources and needs of specific US regions. Crops to be tested include elephant grass, eucalyptus, bagasse, black locust, poplars, switchgrass, sorghum, sugar cane, and sycamores. Commercially developed biofuel programs underway include deriving electricity from biomass, methanol from gasifier technology, ethanol from corn, and biocrude oil from cellulose-rich wastes. Within about 40 years, the world's farmers could grow all the food we need with capacity left to meet up to 30% of the world's energy requirements. As they get into the business of providing energy, fuels, and chemicals, farmers will find their operations are more lucrative and sustainable.
ISSN:0016-3317