BTI Associate Director Ken Valentas appeared before the Minnesota Senate Agriculture Committee on March 19th to present the results of a study commissioned by the state legislature. The study focused on the feasibility of producing renewable energy from available biomass in two target areas: the White Earth reservation, and an area of east central Minnesota including Chisago, Isanti and Pine counties. Valentas discussed the economic and technical feasibility of a multistream renewable energy biofuels demonstration facility and the development, harvest, and marketing of native Minnesota prairie plants and seeds for bioenergy production.

The study results, available via two reports on the BTI website, were compiled from field data gathered over the past two years, published area data for agricultural residue and forest biomass, and in-depth analysis of various biomass conversion platforms. The focus was on quantifying available cellulosic biomass and determining the most effective scenarios and methods of conversion.

Conversion of cellulosic biomass involves extensive processing to convert the cellulosic structures of prairie grasses and agricultural residue such as corn stover to biofuels. The report concludes that ethanol production from biomass is not currently competitive with ethanol production from corn without significant government subsidies. The report goes on to say, however, that ethanol should be viewed as a phase 1 biofuel with phase 2 being conversion of cellulosic biomass to "green" gasoline. Conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol, it says, will become a viable alternative as conversion processes are improved through research.

What will it take to make conversion of cellulosic biomass to "green" gasoline happen? According to the study report, gasoline greater than $2.55 at the pump, commitment to reduced foreign oil dependence and an emphasis on reducing green house gases. Available biomass type and supply will also change with variations in market price and significantly affect the cost of conversion.

In conclusion, Valentas said the report recommended working toward the goal of developing conversion plants to sustainably convert the regions' cellulosic biomass into carbon-neutral transportation fuels. The Minnesota state legislature is considering funding and legislation toward accomplishing this goal.