Turning Plant Matter into Renewable Fuel

Biofuel feedstock can come from a variety of sources, and each has numerous benefits. Gevo looks at innovative ways that each feedstock could be used to reduce carbon output in the process of producing biofuel. We also are looking for feedstocks that help to sequester carbon in the soil through the growing process.

The Different Types of Biofuel Feedstocks

Different methods of making biofuel use different feedstock types. Some use the sugar or starch of the plant seed or root of the plant to feed the fermentation process, consuming the plant biomass we generally consider to be a ready source of carbohydrate energy. Still others us lignocellulosic biomass, which feeds the fermentation process with the hydrocarbons stored in the stems and leaves of the plant.

Sugar and Starch Feedstocks

• Inedible Field Corn that we use to create isobutanol captures carbon while it creates fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also has a co-product: high-protein animal feed.
• Beets are a traditional sugar crops to be used to produce biofuel.
• Sugar Cane has substantial hydrocarbon energy, and is a feedstock used in Australia.

Lignocellulosic Feedstocks

• Rice Straw has historically been burned in southeast Asia, emitting greenhouse gases and air pollution in some Asian countries.
• Bagasse (sugar cane waste) can be used as a feedstock for biofuel, putting even more of the carbon from sugar growing to good use.
• Woodslash (forestry waste) can be collected and used to produce biofuel, while reducing wildfire threats.