BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT97-3701 - Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as an alternative energy crop in Europe

FAIR-CT97-3701
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as an alternative energy crop in Europe

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Crops for Solid Biofuels : FAIR Area 4.3 - Diversification : Solid Biofuels : Thermochemical Conversion

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT97-3701
	Total Cost	899,418 ECU
	EC Contribution	485,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/04/1998
	Duration	40 months

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as an alternative energy crop in Europe

Objectives

The objective of this shared cost research project is to evaluate switchgrass biomass production potential for energy purposes in Europe. It is proposed to generate sufficient data to initiate large-scale production trials and to take well founded decision on the need for further research and development of switchgrass. Switchgrass is a C4 grass well adapted to most of North America where it is used for biomass production. Arguments for introducing switchgrass as a biomass energy crop in Europe are:

Low cost of establishment, because produces seeds
It is cold tolerant
High yield potential with low water and fertiliser inputs
Wide geographic adaptation

Some preliminary data collected in Northern Europe indicates that seed establishment is successful and yields are promising. The knowledge generated about this grass in North America and the similarity in eliminates between its native environment and Europe make introduction of switchgrass for biomass production both very promising and relatively inexpensive.

Technical Approach

The project has been divided into the following tasks:

identification of existing cultivars and germplasms that may be adapted to specific regions of Europe
determination of potential switchgrass dry matter production and N response under various European conditions
collection of physiological data on switchgrass to explain biomass production and quality and for development of a pilot productivity model for switchgrass
identification of best seed establishment methods and subsequent winter survival under European conditions
determination of suitability of switchgrass for various thermal conversion processes (pyrolysis, gasification and combustion)
evaluation of financial, economical and environmental aspects of switchgrass as an energy crop for Europe and comparison to other energy crops

Expected Results

This project offers a very cost-effective evaluation of a very promising C4 lignocellulosic energy crop that has high yield potential and a low cost of establishment and that can easily be incorporated into current farming systems.

Switchgrass, Braunschweig, Germany

Switchgrass, Rothamsted, UK

Switchgrass, Rothamsted, UK, August 1998.

Contacts

Coordinator

Wolter ELBERSEN / ATO B.V. NETHERLANDS

EC Scientific Officer

Adelmo MOREALE / European Commission DG VI Agriculture BELGIUM

Participant