University of Illinois Picks Miscanthus for Ethanol Production

A recent study by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne compared the yields and costs of producing ethanol using miscanthus, switchgrass, and corn stover.

The study used real data from the University of Illinois energy farm and other locations across the country to calibrate the model. The model then simulated yields and greenhouse gas savings of 30 years of variable weather conditions. Another goal of the study was to examine the cost and greenhouse gas implications of using these sources of biomass for biofuel production.

The models predicted that miscanthus will have highest yield and profit of the three, particularly when grown in poor-quality soil. It also outperformed corn stover and switchgrass in its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.