Producing Fuels From Biomass: Considerations for a Reliable Feedstock Supply.

Following a false start in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and a slow start in more recent years, the lignocellulosic (LC) biofuel industry is materializing. Conversion technology has reached performance levels required for commercialization. This has been matched with companies having competencies to deliver at a scale and used to projects requiring long lead times. Underpinning this new industry is a reliable, cost-effective supply of LC feedstock sufficient for the production of 16 billion gallons annually. This is approximately 2 billion dry tons of feedstock from approximately 15 - 20 million acres. Additional production is required for thermo-chemical energy, specialty chemicals, electric power and other uses. An agricultural supply chain will develop to support these needs. What will it look like? Firstly, it will not be monolithic. There will be many solutions depending on growing environment, ability to leverage existing production systems (e.g., forestry waste or crop residue), acceptable price points for a given use & etc. However, there will also be commonalities. Suitable land must be available in adequate supply. Productive, adapted feedstock varieties of compositions appropriate to intended uses must be available. Effective, efficient methods of harvest, haul and storage must be available. This may also include de-watering, densification, size-reduction or other forms of pre-processing. There will be a need for data collection, mining and application to drive continuous improvement. Across the supply chain will be a common need to ensure environmental and economic sustainability and safe operations. And of course there must be an adequate supply of agricultural professionals, including labourers, operators, managers, scientists, engineers & etc.

My comments will focus on the development of the required agricultural supply chain to support LC feedstock production and delivery.