DOE-funded researchers say cellulosic biofuels could be environmental sustainable

In Wisconsin, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) say cellulosic biofuels could provide an environmentally sustainable way of meeting energy needs, but with a few important caveats.

Drawing from ten years of empirical research, GLBRC colleagues from MSU, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the University of Maryland identify several emerging principles for managing the complex environmental tradeoffs of cellulosic biofuel.

First, the researchers show how growing native perennial species on marginal lands –land not used for food production because of low fertility or other reasons – avoids competition with food security, and provides the greatest potential for climate mitigation and biodiversity benefits.

Second, crop choice is key. Native perennial species offer superior environmental outcomes to annual crops, but no single crop appears to be ideal for all locations. In fact, in some cases  mixed species crops provide superior benefits. Third, nitrogen fertilizer use should be avoided or minimized because of its global warming and other environmental impacts.