Texas researchers turn mesquite thorns into ethanol
The thorny mesquite tree is great for cooking up Texas bar-b-que. Nothing gives brisket a better flavor. Now a group of researchers from Texas A&M wants to turn mesquite into cellulosic ethanol. The potential is enormous as Texas sports 52 million acres of mesquite.
Often considered a tree that no one wants, the mesquite also has a poetic quality that would translate nicely into a future alternative fuel. Ethanol made from corn and soybeans is gaining most of the attention these days. But there is also extensive research into making ethanol from cellulosic or non-edible plant matter sources such as agriculture waste, forest products, switch grass and peanut shells. Even termites are under study.
The regrowth rate of mesquite is high in Texas and it usually grows on flat surfaces for easy harvesting. Landowners are enthusastic about the possibilities.
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[Source: AP via Dallas Morning News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
loikll 1:23PM (10/11/2006)
You know, Ethanol production is just a roundabout way of turning what's in the ground into combustible carbon/hydrogen compounds.
Sounds pretty convoluted to me what with all these plants and agriculture and harvesting and whatnot. Isn't there a shortcut?
Maybe we should jam a pipe into the ground and see if any combustible carbon/hydrgen compounds gush up of their own free will, save ourselves the hastle.
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