BY LINDA McGURK
Indiana Correspondent

URBANA, Ill. — As the ethanol boom continues, analysts seem to agree that harvesting grain for fuel is just the beginning. Hans Blaschek, interim director of the University of Illinois’ newly created Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research, envisions bio-refineries that will operate similarly to today’s oil refineries, except they’ll use biomass as feedstock.

“(Biomass) is not the only solution, but certainly if we can make cellulosic ethanol at a low cost, it’ll make a huge difference,” he told a crowd of farmers and state legislators at UoI’s annual Agronomy Day on Aug. 16. “I believe that ultimately, we can have a zero impact on carbon dioxide emissions.”

Earlier this year, renewable fuels research at UoI took a giant leap forward, as oil producer BP announced it was one of three institutions to share a $500 million bioscience award.

One of the issues the new research program will focus on is efficient transportation of biomass, which tends to be bulky. Another challenge is to develop cost-effective technologies to break down the rigid cell walls of the plant feedstocks.

Blaschek predicted that Miscanthus and switchgrass will become the main dedicated energy crops grown in Illinois. “All biomass is regional, and that’s why I think it will have a huge impact in the Midwest,” he said.

“None of us have a crystal ball, but I suggest the future is looking really good for bioenergy in Illinois.”

Some people fear scientists and analysts are painting a too-rosy picture of the bioenergy industry and believe it’s nothing but a passing fad that threatens to turn into another dot-com bust. Blaschek disagrees.

“This isn’t going to be another flash in the pan, because the environment has literally taken center stage,” he said, confidently. “People are more concerned about the environment than they ever have been before.”