GLRPPR Sector Resource: Growth in Biomass Could Put U.S. on Road to Energy Independence

Title:
Growth in Biomass Could Put U.S. on Road to Energy Independence

Abstract:

Relief from soaring prices at the gas pump could come in the form of corncobs, cornstalks, switchgrass and other types of biomass, according to a joint feasibility study for the departments of Agriculture and Energy. The recently completed Oak Ridge National Laboratory report outlines a national strategy in which 1 billion dry tons of biomass -- any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis -- would displace 30 percent of the nation's petroleum consumption for transportation. Supplying more than 3 percent of the nation's energy, biomass already has surpassed hydropower as the largest domestic source of renewable energy, and researchers believe much potential remains.

URL:
http://www.ornl.gov/info/press_releases/get_press_release.cfm?releasenumber=mr20050421-01

Source:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Resource Type:
Website

Date of Publication:
April 2005

Associated Sectors:

• Agriculture
• Alternative Fuels
• Electrical Utilities/Power Generation
• Transportation & Trucking