Alcorn State University, in Lorman, is partnering with Pasadena, Texas-based KiOR, researching bamboo as a biofuel.
Mississippi Development Authority legislation that brought KiOR to Columbus also included funding for Alcorn and Mississippi State University.
Alcorn Dean of Agriculture Barry Bequette said Alcorn researchers are focusing on “agronomic practices and logistics,” specifically on whether bamboo can be used for biomass production.
A variety of bamboo, miscanthus gigantus, has been sent to KiOR to determine its suitability in the KiOR process, which converts biomass — like wood chips, bark, leaves, forest residue and thinnings — into renewable crude oil in one-second reactions.
The product then is hydrotreated and upgraded into renewable fuel, which is the same as petroleum.
The Columbus plant will be the first to make cellulosic fuel on a commercial basis, although a second plant in Natchez is under construction.
“The partnership with Alcorn has proven to be quite exciting,” said KiOR CEO Fred Cannon. “Their expertise has not only lent KIOR research support, but may bear even greater fruits for the broader cellulosic biofuels industry over the long haul.
“The miscanthus from Alcorn State is one of a number of exciting renewable feedstock opportunities that we are looking into,” he added. “Our technology’s feedstock flexibility is one of the advantages that sets KiOR apart from traditional biofuel companies.”
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