Is It Starch or Cellulose? NREL Offers Answers That Could Unlock Incentives for Making Cellulosic Ethanol
Cellulosic ethanol—produced from fibrous cellulose, which gives plants strength and rigidity—offers a range of attractive benefits. When used as a vehicle fuel, it can support deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with a carbon footprint 73% smaller than conventional gasoline. Ethanol made from cellulose can be sourced from widely available crops, like corn stover or switchgrass, that are adapted to grow in a wide range of climates. Not least, it can support clean energy jobs and economic opportunity in rural communities.
