Biofuels“Growing Biodiesel in Bluegrass Fields”

Background “The American economy depends on petroleum for transportation, which

has created energy security concerns, contributions to climate change, and various other environmental hazards” –National Biofuels Action Plan, Oct. 2008

2006- Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI): included increased research funding for cutting edge biofuel production processes.

Early 2007- “Twenty-in-Ten” initiative: plan to reduce gasoline consumption by 20% in 10 years.

Mid 2007- Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA): signed in to law by George W. Bush

December 2007- Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Congressional response to EISA, require 36 BGY of biofuels by 2022 Cellulosic ethanol and biomass based diesel

Background2007- Farm Bill: $1.6 B in renewable energy and energy efficiency-related

spending at USDA $210 M to support loan guarantees for cellulosic ethanol projects

EPA Policy Act of 2005: Changed U.S. energy policy by providing tax incentives and loan guarantees for alternative energy production

Since 2006: DOE: plans to invest $1 B in partnership with the private sector and academia to research, develop,

and deploy advanced biofuel technologies by 2012

Biomass Research and Development Board (R&D): Maximize benefits deriving from Federal grants Bring coherence to Federal strategic planning Co-chaired by senior officials from: DOE, DOT, USDA, DOD, EPA, NSF

BackgroundThe Kentucky 25 x 25 RoadmapGoals:

Increase production of renewable energyDeliver renewable energy to marketsExpand renewable energy marketsImprove energy efficiency and productivityStrengthen conservation of natural resources and the

environment

GoalsPurpose statement: To establish a biomass energy crop in Kentucky that will be used for fuel production, striving to create a long-term, sustainable biofuel industry which will be economically profitable and lessen dependence on foreign oil.

Feedstock Production•What type of agriculture is established on the land through out the 50 m targeted radius?

•How much land is readily available for growing switchgrass?

•Who are the land owners?

Switchgrass

ANDERSONBATHBOURBONBOYLEBRACKENBREATHITTCASEYCLARKCLAYELLIOTTESTILLFAYETTEFLEMINGFRANKLINGARRARDGRANTHARRISONHENRYJACKSONJESSAMINELAUREL

LEELEWISLINCOLNMADISONMASONMENIFEEMERCERMONTGOMERYMORGANNICHOLASOWENOWSLEYPENDLETONPOWELLPULASKIROBERTSONROCKCASTLEROWANSCOTTSHELBYWASHINGTONWOLFEWOODFORD

Target Counties Within 50 mi. Radius of Winchester

Feedstock LogisticsHarvesting

Late October till April.Average yield-2500 tons.

Feedstock LogisticsProcessing

Process to diesel in Irvine.

Feedstock LogisticsStorage

6 month average.Stored under a cover or in old tobacco barn.3 to 6 dollars per ton

Feedstock LogisticsDelivery

50 mile radius from Winchester.10 to 12 dollars per ton to transfer from field to refinery.26 bales to truck (or 15 to 16 bales.)160 loads daily to refinery.

14 loads per hour.

ConversionThe transformation of the feedstock to liquid fuels

DistributionTransfer of fuel from biorefinery to point of retail sale