Why isn't Kudzu a major raw material for cellulosic ethanol?

[HopeHoops]

It sounds like it would be a win-win situation in the Southern states. Any clues? I know it CAN be used for that, but it isn't widely used. Talk about a raw material!

[Statistical]

1. Same reason we don't use sugar cane... the corn lobby.

Sugar cane ethanol produces more energy per gallon, uses less resources, and is easier to process but there is a tariff on imported sugar cane.

Not for consumption. Sugar cane for consumption is tariff free. The tariff is ONLY for sugar cane to be used for ethanol to drive up the price and make corn (the absolute WORST feedstock to make ethanol from) viable.

[ThomWV]

2. For those who are unfamiliar with Kudzu ...

If you plant a sprout of it in the middle of a paved parking lot it will overtake the state the lot is situated in within a week.

[sufrommich]

4. lol. It does seem to be making it's way across the south like

General Grant on steroids.

[Sentath]

10. It has been used as a formal declaration of war

SCA war, but nonetheless a sealed pvc tube with a sprout of kudzu and a bit of moisture was sent from one 'king' to another as a declaration of war.

[theoldman]

3. I think the concern is that the seeds will spread to surrounding areas.

It may also not have enough sugar content.

[madrchsod]

5. oh no!....not another kudzu post!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4465947&mesg_id=4465947

[HopeHoops]

6. At least it wasn't a narwhal post!

FUCK YEAH!!!!1

[mike_c]

7. because it's an invasive species and an ecological disaster....

eom

[HopeHoops]

8. I'm talking about harvesting it as a controlling method.

I know they compost it and all, but it has also been used to create ethanol. There is such an abundant supply of WILD kudzu that there is no need (and nor would I advocate) for cultivation. They spend a shitload as it is to pull the stuff off of power, phone, and cable lines. It seems to me that some company would have jumped in to convert it to fuel. Under NO circumstances would I approve of planting it as a crop!!!

[Doremus]

9. Japanese Knotweed.

The patch on the side of my house could fuel a small suburb.

[billyclem]

11. Ethanol from celluose

It is easy to get ethanol from the starch from corn and other crops but not from cellulose. There is a lot of ongoing research to enable cellulose to be used as a feed for ethanol production. Just not quite there yet. It does seem to be in the near future, then corn stalks and yes even kudzu can be used.

[conscious evolution]

12. I read somewhere that someone

in south Georgia is setting up a refinery(?) to do just that.

[NickB79]

13. Because cellulosic ethanol still isn't economically feasible

Without massive government subsidies, at least.

[votingupstart]

14. i think this is the best answer

if in the future there are more economical means, then it would be a viable option but not right now.

a good idea to keep in reserve though