By Marni Pyke

That old cornstalk’s worth money. And so is that dead tree stump.

Known as biomass, such plant materials can be converted into an alternative fuel source. And eventually that will mean savings for drivers at the pump…

…Des Plaines-based Gas Technology Institute (GTI) is starting production of biomass fuel at a Chicago plant as part of a pilot project with the aim of selling it in conventional gas stations starting in 2014…

… GTI, however, isn’t the only biomass kid on the block. A number of other biotech companies are working on producing biomass fuel, which should be available in a limited supply this year, said Seth Snyder, Argonne National Laboratory biofuels expert.

‘The short-term goal is to make it competitive. The long-term goal is to make it cheaper,’ Snyder said.

Americans already use a corn-based fuel — ethanol — on a daily basis. ‘Right now 10 percent of the fuel supply is from biofuels,’ Snyder noted…

Continue reading at Daily Herald…

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Areas of Focus: Energy Markets
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Renewable Energy
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Definition
Renewable Energy
Definition
Renewable Energy
Lower technology costs and supportive public policies are driving an increase in renewable energy in markets around the world. EPIC research is assessing the costs, benefits, and efficiency of policies...
Energy Efficiency
Definition
Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency is lauded as a promising way to reduce emissions and lower energy costs. Yet, a robust body of research demonstrates that not all efficiency investments deliver. EPIC...