Net energy of cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass

Ten U.S. researchers published the article "Net energy of cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass" in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS). The report is based on 10 field trials in the Midwest to determine net energy and economic costs of cellulosic ethanol derived from switchgrass. The trials took place on working farms allowing the team to account for all farm inputs. The researchers found that switchgrass produced 540% more renewable than nonrenewable energy consumed and the average estimated greenhouse gas emissions was 94% lower than estimated greenhouse gases from gasoline.