Sorghum: Kickin' Butt and Takin' Names

Testing began in 2010 on post-mining sites in Kentucky
and marginal agricultural land to measure effectiveness
for use as land for the production of biomass.

Patriot BioEnergy LLC continues the develop of sweet sorghum-based ethanol production facilities.  These integrated energy facilities will have as a basic component an ethanol facility that will use sweet-sorghum, as well as other biomass feedstock, to produce ethanol.  The biomass waste will be gasified, along with other biomass, at a co-generation facility to produce electricity.

In 2010, testing began and Patriot BioEnergy continues its planning for expanded test sites in the 2011 growing season.  Lab analysis from the 2010 test grow on post-mining and marginal land show a Btu yield over 8,400, while ash and sulfur are within acceptable industry standards to make sweet sorghum a viable crop to co-blend with coal to reduce emissions and maintain optimal energy for power production.

In a recent report, sorghum is being shown as a first-tier biomass feedstock--realizing high per-acre yields and producing significant results for both ethanol production and other energy uses.

“BTU values ranged over $1000 / acre between the biomass at the extremes in the trial. This clearly shows that a key economic driver for cleantech projects will be the ability to access a high-performance feedstock.”

On February 15, 2011 Chromatin, Inc., announced its sorghum hybrids were among the top performers in terms of yield per acre and in the Btu value necessary for energy production per acre.  This bodes well for the continued development of sweet sorghum as a primary feedstock in the United States.  In comparison to the emergin biofuels industry in the United States, the nation of Brazil produces nearly 100% of its transportation fuel requirements solely from sweet sorghum and sugar cane.  As part of Patriot BioEnergy's planning, the business model reflecting the success of Brazilian ethanol manufacturing continues to be a primary focus for the company long-term goals.