Chinese company pioneers “super giant reed” for biomass

Chinese firm Landuo Biotech claims to have produced a "super giant reed" that has become a high-yield renewable resource, reported China Daily.
The bamboo-like grass undergoes genetic modification, and includes more than 40 varieties that are developed using a gene database tailored for specific applications such as biofuels.
Landuo Biotech, which is based in Wuhan, Hubei province, says the biomass potential surpasses that of wild giant reed thrice over.
Their calorific value of 4,000 to 4,500 kilocalories per kilogram - or two-thirds of that of standard coal.
This makes them a potential substitute for fossil fuels, according to the company.
It added that, 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.
"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."
The company has also pioneered a processing technology for its 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 company.