Biomass

Genera Biomass focuses on developing integrated biomass supply chain solutions and strategic partnerships to support the bioenergy industry in Tennessee, including a joint venture with Bamert Seed Company to form Genera Energy Crops LLC and the organization and management of the Tennessee Biomass Supply Cooperative (TBSC).

• Working with private industrial partners UT is establishing a dedicated energy crop (switchgrass) supply chain, demonstrate and improve the technologies used to create cellulosic ethanol, reduce the costs of production, and ultimately commercialize the technology across the state.

• The Tennessee Biofuels Initiative takes a farm-centric approach to feedstock development, working with local farmers to develop a program that provides direct payments to farmers for switchgrass production as well as one-on-one technical assistance through UT Extension and wide-ranging research related to all aspects of the feedstock supply chain.

• These new systems, technologies, and products will provide increased economic opportunities for rural economies, increased energy security for the nation, and improved environmental impacts of energy production/utilization.

• The development of the cellulosic biofuels supply chain, from biomass to fuels and products, will have a significant impact on the energy future of the state and nation.

Additional Information:

Growing and Harvesting Switchgrass for Ethanol Production in Tennessee
Using Switchgrass for Forage

Biomass Harvesting and Forest Stewardship: A Health Balance

Short Rotation Woody Crops for Biofuels

Woody Biofuels: Past, Present and Future