The U.S. currently consumes about 342 million tons of biomass annually, including corn grain for ethanol and wood for heat and power, to meet 5% of annual energy demand. An analysis conducted by U.S. Department of Energy researchers indicates that biomass production can be tripled to yield an estimated 60 billion gallons of low greenhouse gas liquid fuels while still meeting projected demand for food, feed, fiber and other products.

The assessment considered biomass production capacity of approximately 60 resources, including winterSource: U.S. Department of EnergySource: U.S. Department of Energy oilseed crops, trees and brush harvested from forests to prevent wildfires, macroalgae such as seaweed cultivated in ocean farms, and carbon dioxide from industrial plants. Potential risks to biodiversity soil, air and water quality and water availability were factored in to ensure sustainable operations.

Currently available but unexploited biomass resources can add around 350 million tons of additional biomass per year above current uses and expand the U.S. bioeconomy. The data indicate that a supply of 1 billion tons of biomass could meet 100% of the projected demand for airplane fuel and contribute to the decarbonization of the aviation industry with sustainable aviation fuel.

To contact the author of this article, email shimmelstein@globalspec.com