ABSTRACT
The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) has been assigned field responsibility by the Department of Energy, Biomass Energy Technology Division, for the direction of the National Alcohol Fuels Program. The principal objectives of the program are to develop the conversion technology for transforming lignocellulosic biomass into fuels alcohols, and to provide a mechanism for the early transfer of mature processes to the private sector. Premium liquid fuels, particularly in the transportation sector, represent an area of potential shortfall in the event of another disruption in imported oil, and in the long term liquid fuels are expected to be in short supply. This paper discusses why ethanol is a useful fuel, and why lignocellulose is a suitable feedstock for ethanol.
