'Super giant reed' biomass could replace fossil fuels for power generation

After genetic transformation, "super giant reed", a bamboo-like grass, has become a high-yield renewable resource, according to a Chinese biotech company.

This "super giant reed", an improved version of the giant reed, includes more than 40 varieties developed using a gene database tailored for specific applications such as biofuels.

According to Landuo Biotech based in Wuhan, Hubei province, the biomass of super giant reed — an indicator of its potential as a fuel source — surpasses that of wild giant reed three times over.

These new varieties have a calorific value of 4,000 to 4,500 kilocalories per kilogram, or two-thirds of that of standard coal, making them a potential substitute for fossil fuels. Planting some 13,000 hectares of super giant reed is equivalent to creating a green coal mine with an annual output of 0.45 to 1.5 million metric tons, the company said.

"Super giant reed can replace coal in power generation, chemicals, construction materials and civil heating," said Song Xin, Landuo Biotech's general manager. "This will not only reduce fuel and material costs for enterprises but also help lower carbon dioxide emissions."

According to some estimates, planting 40 million hectares of super giant reed could replace 2.2 billion tons of coal used in power generation in China, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 4 billion tons. The green power industry could generate an annual revenue of 250 million yuan ($34 million).

However, Song noted that replacing coal for power generation is just one of the low-value uses of super giant reed. "The real potential of transforming the fossil fuel industry lies in the high-value bio-based energy and chemicals produced from the reed."

Super giant reed is being developed for a wide range of applications, including bio-based power generation, oil refining, chemicals, biodegradable plastics and the fiber industry.

The company has also pioneered a processing technology for super giant reed. By isolating the plants in an oxygen-free environment, high-temperature pyrolysis can convert them into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, natural gas, biochar and other products, which could be further used to generate energy, according to the manager.

"We create specific growing and nutrient conditions for each variety," Song explained. "Since the giant reed does not produce seeds, we propagate it by cloning cells."