BioFuels Journal

University of South Carolina and Biomass Gas & Electric Partner for Biomass Fuels Division

Biomass Gas & Electric, LLC announces the formation of a Biomass Fuels Division to commercialize a University of South Carolina Technology.

BG&E’s AgriBiotech initiative is focused on the exclusive License Agreement with the University of South Carolina for their patented MicroPropagation technology for use with a wide range of perennial grasses used as feedstock.

In addition, BG&E will be funding a five year Research Program at the University for the advancement of this ground breaking technology.

This Earth changing herbaceous plant propagation technology was developed by scientists on the biology faculty at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.

This latest development will establish BG&E as a vertically integrated Biomass to Energy Company and will further cement its place as one of the market leaders in this sector.

Dedicated Energy crops as favored by BG&E for their conversion efficiency and fuel yields, as well as their economic viability involve a "closed-loop process" in that they are grown specifically for the energy crop’s ability to be efficiently and cleanly converted to energy for the BG&E projects.

To quote Mr. Glenn Farris, CEO of BG&E: “The License Agreement gives BG&E a significant advantage by being able to establish efficient and effective supply chains for a range of perennial grasses that otherwise could not be planted as dedicated crops.

This is a must in order to provide the feedstock for our large commercial bioenergy projects. Our funding of the research program will greatly enhance our ability to maintain our leading edge as a renewable energy developer.”

BG&E is committed to deliver technologies that enhance agricultural productivity, boost the rural economy in allowing farmers to grow crops on fallow or underutilized land, promote energy security in alleviating dependence on fossil energy sources, and deliver a cleaner and sustainable environment for a more secure energy future.

It also bears noting that none of these crops or grasses competes with food supply crops.

The research program at USC under Professor Laszlo Marton, Ph.D., CBS, and Dr. Mihaly Czako, Ph.D., to further selection and breeding, will develop, test, and commercialize elite varieties of perennials to achieve greater yields and improve other traits necessary for bioenergy, bio-fuels and bioremediation.

Future plans include the expansion of the germplasm inventory at USC and establishing plant production laboratories and nursery operations along side BG&E’s biopower projects in the USA and globally.

BGE has previously executed three Power Purchase Agreements for supplying approximately 200 Mega Watts of electric power in Florida, and have an additional pipeline of energy projects and joint venture opportunities in the United States, in the European Union and in South America.

For more information, call 770-662-0256.