BioTenn - A Partnership for Homegrown Energy
Ethanol
Pure ethanol is a renewable fuel that is produced by fermenting and distilling simple sugars from organic materials. The majority of ethanol is currently produced from agricultural feedstocks that are high in starch, such as corn, sugar cane, wheat, sugar beets, and barley. Ethanol can also be produced from cellulosic biomass. Some promising sources of cellulosic ethanol are switchgrass, wood products, and biomass waste.
Presently the most common source of ethanol in Tennessee is from corn, yet, Tennessee has the potential to be a national leader in cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol from biomass is currently more expensive to produce than ethanol from corn. More research and development is needed in the areas of transportation and production techniques to reduce cellulosic ethanol’s price. Overcoming these expenses is exactly what Governor Bredesen intends for Tennessee to accomplish. The Governor has allocated $69.6 million for the research and promotion of ethanol derived from biomass, primarily ethanol produced from switchgrass.
Ethanol presents the agricultural community of Tennessee with a great opportunity and high expectations for the future.