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Project Code [07-CCRP-1.1.7a]
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Project title
Compressed biomethane generated from grass, utilised as a transport biofuel
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Cork (UCC)
Lead Applicant
Jerry Murphy
Project Abstract
Forage grass is a hardy perennial crop which does not require rotation, is well known to farmers, and if used as an energy crop, does not impede on arable land or require new agricultural practices. Existing yields of grass per hectare are high (12tds/ha/a). Marginal lands may be utilised; grass cuttings from city parklands provide free energy crops. Biogas, when generated from grass and ensiled grass (silage) and upgraded to compressed biomethane has the potential to reduce the land requirement to meet the Biofuels Directive by a factor of four, when compared to biodiesel from rape seed. It is postulated that compressed biomethane from grass is the optimal transport biofuel in Northern Temperate Europe. In terms of environmental impact and diversity this grass system does not require conversion of grassland into arable land; this is in line with the objectives agreed in the last reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. This avoids a release of CO2 from grassland soils that would occur when such land is ploughed. A full life cycle analysis will be utilised to compare this system with other transport biofuel systems (biodiesel from rape seed and ethanol from sugars and starches).
Grant Approved
�303,197.00
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sinks, and Management Systems
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/01/2010