Key to using local resources for biomass may include waste

MSW can be an important part of a larger biofuels industry that utilizes multiple biomass resources, including agriculture and timber, according to the report. It has fewer traditional hurdles than other biomass resources: the infrastructure to collect it already exists; it is concentrated in a small number of locations; and current disposal options are limited and becoming increasingly expensive. In contrast, resources such as wheat straw and timber harvesting residues are not currently collected at a significant scale and are dispersed throughout the region. Over time, MSW can help provide a market to develop new energy crops within the region, note the report’s authors.

“If we can find a way to ensure waste reaches its potential as a viable fuel source and in a cost-effective manner, it’s a win-win scenario for the economy and the environment.” said Stiles.

The use of indigenous resources also heightens the need for investment in conversion technologies that aren’t yet commercially available. The need is significant because nearly all of the Northwest’s available biomass resources, including MSW, are comprised of lignocellulosic materials. These materials are more difficult to convert to traditional biofuels than grain crops. A concerted research and development effort is necessary for these complex feedstocks to become cost-competitive with petroleum fuels.

The report also identifies an important opportunity for development of new chemical processes that convert the lignocellusic biomass to bio-crude. Biocrude, with appropriate upgrading, can be directly substituted for petroleum at regional refineries. The report also describes approaches that use chemical processes to convert biomass to gasoline and to diesel fuels that are compatible with existing vehicles and the current fuel distribution systems. These approaches better leverage the existing fuels infrastructure.

“A new look at conversion technologies can give the region a chance to leapfrog from the existing suite of biofuels technologies to the next generation of biofuels that work with today’s vehicles and gas stations,” said Stiles. The technologies developed here can also be successfully used in other regions of the country to provide biofuels for our nation.”

Biofuels will be part of the solution to reducing America’s dependence on imported oil while transitioning to a renewable energy base -- but they aren’t the only solution, according to Davis.

“We must substantially advance all potential solutions -- from energy efficiency and conservation to demand-side management and carbon capture -- if we’re going to get to the rate and scale needed to reduce dependence on imported oil while reducing carbon emissions.”