By: Ozren Podnar |
Miscanthus – energy plant of the future |
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World industry is seeking new sources of energy.
The need for plant fuel is increasing and one day plant fuel could replace fossil energy sources such as coal, oil or natural gas.
An energy plant must meet several conditions: it must grow quickly, it cannot dry out the soil too much and it must be usable for various purposes.
Miscanthus meets all of these conditions – this is a high energy crop native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa.
Many consider miscanthus (Latin name Miscanthus x gigantheus) to be the fuel of the future.
This relative of sugarcane is resistant to cold and gives yield even at low temperatures.
Its appearance is reminiscent of bamboo or rush, it grows up to four meters in height and it thrives even in Central Europe.
In Croatia this plant is known as Chinese cane or Chinese reed.
Due to its large dimensions, in English language you can find it under the name of elephant grass.
The source of clean energy
A thorough research was conducted on miscanthus in Europe and the United States proving that its combustion provides economical heating and electricity.
Except for the production of clean energy, this plant can also be used for house insulation, construction and many other purposes.
Its cultivation does not require much fertilizer or the use of chemicals.
Miscanthus does not take a lot of water from the soil.
When you plant it, you can use it for many years, because it gives a yield for 20 years without the need for replanting.
Its cultivation is cheap, it grows fast and gives a high yield of biomass, which makes it an increasingly popular biofuel worldwide. Since recently this plant has been cultivated in Europe.
Cheap heating
Miscanthus is the most efficient, cleanest and cheapest fuel in the world. It can be used in the form of chips or briquettes.
Per hectare, this plant gives a 20-40 ton yield, which is used most often for briquetting.
The plant is pressed into briquettes without glue and has a very high thermal energy.
It contains only 15% moisture and releases 0% carbon monoxide during combustion.
In Europe there are already institutions (kindergartens, schools) that use miscanthus as a source of cheap and ecological heating.
Efficient bio-fuel
Miscanthus has proved to be a remarkable source of energy.
This plant gives more biomass than any other crop, with the exception of sugar cane, but unlike sugar cane, miscanthus can be grown on a wider area.
Compared to corn, its yield is richer in biomass and ethanol. A typical acre of corn gives 19 tons of biomass and 1.890 gallons of ethanol fuel.
On the other hand, miscanthus yields 40 tons of biomass and 8.125 gallons of ethanol.
In efficiency it exceeds rapeseed, the most abundant plant source of energy in Europe.
With rapeseed the relationship between the energy invested in the cultivation and the resulting energy is 1:2, while miscanthus has a remarkable 1:15 ratio!
According to calculations made by German scientist, a farmer can get the amount of fuel corresponding to 8.000 liters of heating oil from one hectare of miscanthus plantation each year.
Numerous advantages of miscanthus:
- easy maintenance
- little need for fertilizer
- ecological plant, does not require spraying
- low water consumption
- environmentally friendly
- has a low carbon footprint
- is not invasive
- increases biodiversity
- renews the soil on which it grows
- affordable price
Growth cycle
Miscanthus growth pattern is repeated every year during its entire lifetime.
Stems spring up every March from the underground rhizome complex and reach the maximum height towards the end of August.
During winter this plant remains on the field. At that time the leaves fall to the ground recycling nutrients and providing a protective cover, which in the spring suppresses weed growth.
The end product of each cycle are high canes that resemble bamboo canes.
In early spring, the cane is ready for harvest.
It can be cut into various dimensions, pressed into pellets or small pieces, and then be used as fuel.
One field of miscanthus plantation ensures one harvest each year for between 10 and 25 years.
Crops can be processed with the help of existing agricultural machinery, though currently new, specialized equipment for processing this plant is being developed.
Europe also accepted miscanthus
In the European Union miscanthus is used as a cheap source of heating and a source of biofuel such as ethanol.
By 2050 it has a potential to meet 12 percent of energy needs in the European Union.
In addition to renewable energy production, miscanthus can be used for other purposes.
Using this cane it is possible to make high-quality insulation or roof as well as one type of plastic.
There are already wheels, bumpers and rims made of this plant.
It is good as a floor cloth for horses, cattle and poultry and as a raw material for industrial use of any kind.
Researchers from the University of Bonn have used this plant to produce lightweight concrete.
It is legal to plant miscanthus in the EU, while in Croatia at the moment it is only allowed to plant it if you obtain special permission.
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