Topic: Grass hailed as potential source of clean energy

[Nemesis]

Not that type of grass

Link to full article

"If about 8 percent of the land area (of the state) was given over to this grass, and assuming only half of those yields were obtained, we would obtain enough dry matter to generate the total electricity used by of the state if Illinois, which includes the city of Chicago," he told a science conference.

In the United States, scientists are looking at burning the crop in a 50-50 mix with coal to generate electricity. It would be suitable for use in some existing power plants, although others would require modification.

"As the plant grows it is drawing carbon dioxide out of the air. When you burn it you put that carbon dioxide back, so the net effect on atmospheric CO2 is zero," Long explained.

"In terms of Kyoto it would be considered carbon neutral," Long said, referring to the 1997 protocol that demands cuts in greenhouse emissions by 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12.

[prometheus]

Sounds like a pretty good idea...  I've heard similar ideas proposed for the use of hemp in projects like this, and also in manufacture of paper and textiles, and also in reducing C02 levels, since it grows fast enough to be considered renewable unlike trees...

[Sirgod]

I like the Idea... and Shoot if they ever want to research poke salad, I'll geive them all they need.

Stephen

[Lepton]

How about by-passing the plant and the burning emissions and go straight to the solar power.  If there is enough light to grow crops, you can use solar power nearly as I can tell.  I'd assume the solar power would be superior in energy conversion in comparison to the plants.  Sounds like a right-wing conspiracy to make coal power "green" and for congressmen to buy off their constituencies with continued farm subsidies for unneeded crop production.

[Dracho]

Or, couple it with genetic engineering and make the batteries biological..

[Nemesis]

How about by-passing the plant and the burning emissions and go straight to the solar power.

I'm assuming that you mean solar cells.  There are several reasons.

1/ Current solar cells are not particularly efficient or durable.  The plant is not easily vandalized and is self repairing.

2/ Using the plant you can get power when you need it day or night winter or summer.

3/ Cheap up front costs as much of it uses current technology.

[FRA.E.Kehakoul_XC]

Tsss,thats typical for the anti drugs front,..what a perversion.