Biofuels and electric power production from forages: Current status and future potential

Bioenergy is the production of energy from plant biomass. At present, 3.5% of US energy consumption is in the form of bioenergy, but most of this is generated from wastes, residues and surpluses. Forages offer many advantages and great opportunities for this purpose. yields of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the southeastern US are probably high enough for limited immediate commercial application, especially co-firing with coal. Further improvements in efficiency of bioenergy technologies is necessary to ensure widespread adoption. This commercialization is expected to start in the next 5-10 years.