Miscanthus/Fisher House Project
Project Description
Prof. Stephen Long (Prof. of Plant Physiology and Crop Sciences) is leading a research group conducting a biomass energy project. The project includes installing high-efficiency windows, lighting, and a switchgrass-fueled furnace to heat a large farmhouse on the campus. The project will demonstrate the feasibility of using this biomass fuel source for a residential-sized facility. Funds for the project were provided by Facilities & Services, the Environmental Council, and the student clean energy technology fee.
For more information, visit http://miscanthus.cropsci.uiuc.edu
Project Goals
| • | Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of growing and harvesting Miscanthus x giganteus(Miscanthus and Panicum Virgatum switchgrass) as energy crops |
| • | Increase public knowledge of:
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Alternate energy sources
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Potential effects of alternate energy on global climate change
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The viability of Miscanthus and switchgrass as biomass energy sources
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| • | Establish a learning facility that will demonstrate the viability and sustainability of biomass heat in a University building |
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