Wild Grass A Future Energy Source: NCKU scholars
Tainan, Taiwan, November 1st, 2011
Wild Miscanthus, a long perennial grass common in Taiwan but considered as weed, may become a sustainable and environmental-friendly energy source, scholars at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) said.
Tzen-Yueh Chiang, professor of life sciences, and Wen-Teng Wu, director of the energy research center, said as the world is faced with a serious resources shortage, the search for alternative energy should be a nation’s top priority.
Chiang said that Miscanthus, sometimes known as the elephant grass, has already been used in Europe to generate energy, but has been undervalued in Taiwan because it’s not considered as cash crop.
Based on an Irish study, he said, if 10 percent of growing land in Europe is planted with Miscanthus, it can generate about 9 to 10 percent of total electricity needs in the European Union countries and also reduce carbon dioxide levels through photosynthesis.
“Taiwan actually possesses valuable varieties of Miscanthus that many countries seek to obtain, owing to its rapid growth, low mineral content and salt-proof characteristic,” the professor said. “As a potential renewable fuel source, this grass can be used to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.”
In addition, one hectare of land in Taiwan can produce 38 tons of Miscanthus to replace the most commonly used coal, according to Wu.
“Burning one ton of coal will lead to 2.62 tons in carbon dioxide emission, whereas this wild grass can absorb carbon dioxide without polluting the air,” he added.
Taiwan has 7 to 10 species of Miscanthus, a perennial grass that can grow up to 13 feet tall and can be found in places such as Lanyu and Alishan.
Wild Miscanthus, a long perennial grass common in Taiwan but considered as weed, may become a sustainable and environmental-friendly energy source, scholars at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) said.
Tzen-Yueh Chiang, professor of life sciences, and Wen-Teng Wu, director of the energy research center, said as the world is faced with a serious resources shortage, the search for alternative energy should be a nation’s top priority.
Chiang said that Miscanthus, sometimes known as the elephant grass, has already been used in Europe to generate energy, but has been undervalued in Taiwan because it’s not considered as cash crop.
Based on an Irish study, he said, if 10 percent of growing land in Europe is planted with Miscanthus, it can generate about 9 to 10 percent of total electricity needs in the European Union countries and also reduce carbon dioxide levels through photosynthesis.
“Taiwan actually possesses valuable varieties of Miscanthus that many countries seek to obtain, owing to its rapid growth, low mineral content and salt-proof characteristic,” the professor said. “As a potential renewable fuel source, this grass can be used to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.”
In addition, one hectare of land in Taiwan can produce 38 tons of Miscanthus to replace the most commonly used coal, according to Wu.
“Burning one ton of coal will lead to 2.62 tons in carbon dioxide emission, whereas this wild grass can absorb carbon dioxide without polluting the air,” he added.
Taiwan has 7 to 10 species of Miscanthus, a perennial grass that can grow up to 13 feet tall and can be found in places such as Lanyu and Alishan.
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