USDA analyses switchgrass replacing Northeast fuel oil
March 25, 2013
| Meghan Sapp
In Pennsylvania, studies by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist have provided a complete cost-benefit breakdown of using switchgrass pellets, which are potentially a cheaper source of energy, instead of fuel oil to heat homes and businesses in the Northeast. The researchers calculated the economic outlays associated with switchgrass production throughout the supply chain, as well as greenhouse gas emissions generated by switchgrass production, densification, and conversion to heat and power. This included the first lifecycle inventory of switchgrass seed production and greenhouse gas emissions associated with seed production.
Category: Fuels