Bioenergy
Since humans first invented fire, bioenergy has been a central part of our energy supply. In more times, peanut oil powered Rudolf Diesel’s first diesel engine. Today, a vast array of more sophisticated processes are being developed to convert biomass to a range of liquid transport and stationary energy sources.
Biomass combustion for stationary energy production is one of the few renewable energy sources able to provide baseload power. Similarly, the high energy density of liquid biofuels makes them one of the few renewable options for the aviation industry. These features will assure an ongoing, important role for bioenergy as a key component of our energy future.
In order to reach full potential, bioenergy options will require parallel development of suitable plant feedstocks, combined with crop production, processing, management and supply chain systems to optimise efficiencies and reduce supply chain costs.
Verterra’s experience practical forest and agricultural management positions it well in relation to the developing bioenergy sector. Verterra can provide services to the developing bioenergy industry through:
- Evaluation of species for liquid and solid bioenergy production
- Breeding, development and trialling of bioenergy species
- Genetic improvement of candidate bioenergy crop species
- Biomass resource assessments for bioenergy supply
- Management systems for production of bioenergy crops
- Systems for integration of bioenergy crop production with other environmental services (e.g. waste water management, mine rehabilitation, carbon sequestration)
- Development of modified production systems for integrated supply chain management
- Operational establishment and management of bioenergy crops
