US can benefit from combined coal and biomass fuels

Biomass Magazine June 2009
By Lisa Gibson
Posted May 20, 2009, at 1:25 p.m. CST

Liquid fuels from biomass and coal could reduce petroleum use and carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. over the next 25 years, according to a recently released report, but producing the alternative fuels in an environmentally conscious way requires significant research, development and commercial demonstration.

‘Liquid Transportation Fuels from Coal and Biomass: Technological Status, Costs and Environmental Impacts’ looks at reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil by transitioning to coal and biomass liquid fuels. The report, the first in a series for the National Academies’ America’s Energy Future project, discusses existing and future technologies, environmental impacts, associated costs and barriers to deployment. The report also estimates potential deployment on three timelines: less than 10 years, from 10 to 25 years and beyond 25 years.

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