Summary

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University is devoting significant resources to develop renewable, clean energy, and economically sustainable systems that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The federal government recently unveiled plans for a five-fold increase in the use of biofuels, to contribute up to 21 percent of U.S. gasoline demand, by 2025. Researchers at Cornell are identifying sustainable bioenergy sources and engineering cutting-edge technologies that will meet future energy needs and guide policy decisions. Cornell’s involvement will be a critical factor in the world’s conversion to a bio- and renewable-energy economy that addresses the challenges of global climate change while meeting energy needs in the 21st century and expanding economic prosperity.

The Issue

The conversion of corn to ethanol, wind and hydro is currently driving alternative energy systems. Longer term, grasses and/or wood products could provide a substantial source of cellulosic ethanol and other bioenergy to meet the world’s energy needs. Plant and microbial resources will be used to produce biofuels, industrial chemicals, natural products, and other consumer goods. Cornell’s multi-disciplinary effort includes developing bioenergy and renewable systems technology, as well as addressing the economic, ecological, environmental, and social impact of renewable energy options and conservation. Through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), the university has a proven capacity to reach communities, landowners, regulators, policy makers and industry. Faculty and students in a dozen departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are engaged in these leading areas:

• Industrial Biotechnology
• Green Feedstocks
• Biogas Processing
• Wind Energy
• Sustainable Land Use for Bioenergy
• Assessing Biofuels at Work in New York City
• Biofuels and Renewable Energy Projects
• Outreach, Education and Development

Industrial Biotechnology

Biofuels

Cornell researchers are addressing the current physical, chemical and biological barriers to liberating sugars from bioenergy crops such as switchgrass, miscanthus, other perennial grasses and woody biomass, and converting these sugars into fuel. There is heightened attention on converting biomass to liquid fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, and to gaseous fuels, such as hydrogen and methane. Cornell’s Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) is integrating industrial and environmental biotechnology through broad-ranging projects, from finding the best mix of convertible grasses to using nanotechnology to discover biocatalysts to engineering useful industrial enzymes, microbes and plants. Through the federally funded Sun Grant Institute of Excellence, Cornell is researching plant biomass in energy and chemical production and exploring biotechnological solutions to create economically advantageous cellulosic ethanol.

In a related initiative, Cornell is collaborating with Mascoma Corp. and Genencor to develop a $14 million cellulosic ethanol pilot-plant in Rochester, funded by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NASDAM) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The plant will convert such products as paper sludge, wood chips, switchgrass and corn stover (the leaves and stalks that are left in a field after harvest) to ethanol.

With a new $10 million grant from the Empire State Development Corporation, Cornell is establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory in Riley-Robb Hall to convert perennial grasses and woody biomass to ethanol and other products. (Larry Walker, Biological and Environmental Engineering [BEE])

Bioproducts

The Sustainable Agriculturally-Based Bioindustries Cluster (SABBIC) involves faculty from a cross-spectrum of colleges to exploit the breakthroughs of molecular biology, genetics, and advanced engineering to increase the percentage of specialty chemicals, intermediate chemicals, and energy obtained from agriculturally-based resources. Examples of SABBIC projects include plant production systems for high-value protein production. Other potential products from biomass include specialty lubricants, industrial chemicals, and household products, such as carpets. (Larry Walker, BEE)

Green Feedstocks

Feedstock Production

New York has about 1.5 million acres of agricultural lands that could support grass production for bioenergy. One massive, multi-disciplinary project involves universities, public agencies and private companies in the study of plant diseases, insects, weed control, species mixtures and the use of dairy manure for environmentally-friendly, higher biomass results. A systematic survey of a broad range of grass characteristics, including performance of grasses grown under a range of environmental conditions, is underway. Identifying the best crops and creating breeding programs for feedstock production processes, combined with the technology to convert to bioenergy and bioproducts, will benefit NY farmers, landowners and citizens, directing investment dollars and resources into workable, sustainable systems. Finding the best land for particular feedstocks is also critical. In one project, plant and soil scientists are assessing the potential for biofuel production in St. Lawrence County, creating a prototype for similar assessments across the state. GIS mapping has helped narrow the site suitability search to focus on areas in the north for promising pilot projects. (Donald Viands, Forage Breeding; Jerome Cherney, Crop and Soil Sciences [CSS]; Steven DeGloria, CSS; Jeffrey Melkoninan, CSS)

Breaking Down Walls: Plant Cell Wall Science

An important route to creating bioenergy is the conversion of plant biomass —lignocellulose — to sugars. Generating ethanol from lignocellulose is currently expensive, compared to corn starch conversion into ethanol. Experts in plant cell wall science are unlocking energy from plants to turn a nascent industry into a viable economic alternative. A critical challenge in producing cellulosic ethanol involves breaking down a plant’s cell wall material and fermenting the released sugars. Researchers are experimenting with microbial enzymes called “cellulases” that digest the cellulose. They have already shown that a small region of these cellulases, called the cellulose binding domain, increases the rate of cellulose hydrolysis, improving efficiency and reducing cost. Recently, plant researchers discovered a new class of plant enzymes with a similar structure, potentially offering new properties for producing ethanol even more efficiently. Cornell researchers are developing an analytical facility to identify which species and varieties, management regimes and growth conditions are necessary for a successful breeding program for bioenergy feedstocks, and to tailor this information for the specific needs of New York growers. (Jocelyn Rose, Plant Biology; David Wilson, CSS)

Biogas Processing

Cornell has pioneered advances in the process of anaerobic digestion, which offers an effective way to manage dairy manure. Researchers are addressing the principal problem of odor and harmful emissions while creating energy from conversion of biogas with a system of combined heat and power (CHP). Anaerobic digestion produces a biogas that has numerous applications, including potentially injecting biogas into natural gas pipelines. Backed by Cornell research and NYSERDA funding, more than 30 farms in New York state are utilizing anaerobic digesters to meet some of their own energy needs, while reducing pollutants and animal waste products. Other farm producers have implemented composting facilities in their operations, which can be used to support biomass production. http://www.manuremangement.cornell.edu (Norman Scott, BEE; Jean Bonhotal, CSS)

Wind Energy

Cornell researchers and economists disseminate objective information to help small towns, land owners, and rural communities consider wind power opportunities. Recent technological advances have decreased the generating cost per kilowatt hour from 40 cents in 1980 to 4 cents today, making wind energy one of the few economically viable alternatives ready for large-scale adoption. There can be significant economic advantages for communities that have favorable wind sites near electric grids; landowners receive lease payments and royalties from wind generators, while the energy generated creates profits for companies, and revenues for local governments. In one New York town, wind-energy revenues account for 30 percent of the local school budget. Cornell’s positive impact in the Maple Ridge project in Lewis County, which now has close to 300 commercial-style wind generators, includes a widely distributed and discussed publication: Wind Energy Development in New York State: Issues for Landowners.
http://aem.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/eb0405.pdf(Brian Henehan, Applied Economics and Management; Deborah Grantham, Natural Resources)

Sustainable Land Use for Bioenergy

Proper land management for biofuels production, including corn, is critical to sustainability. Organic matter depletion and loss of essential plant nutrients from soils leads to increased inputs, such as fertilizer, over time, which will reduce profitability. Cornell is unique in having a broad range of experts who can tackle this problem, from molecular geneticists who improve crop recycling of nutrients, to crop and soil scientists who monitor soil health and develop crop management strategies, to ecologists and resource economists who develop landscape-scale environmental and economic analyses and management plans. New tools are being developed to assist growers with on-farm nitrogen management for crop production. Widely-disseminated information has already had a measurable impact in reducing nitrogen use in corn crops. (David Wolfe, Horticulture; Donald Viands, Forage Breeding)

Assessing Biofuels at Work in New York City

As a publicly funded land-grant institution, Cornell provides scientific and technical contributions to enhance economic development and multiply the effects of research. CCE efforts in New York City are a key supporting element for Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s new PlaNYC, a ‘30 by 30 Plan’ that aims to cut CO2 emissions 30 percent by 2030.

An early assessment by Cornell of biofuel use led NYC to focus on biodiesel (BD). Efforts are already underway for BD to make a measurable impact as a heating fuel, given that fully 50 percent of NYC’s dwelling units (3 of 6 million) use oil-fired heat. A survey of Brooklyn retail food operations that inventoried the waste vegetable oil (WVO) contributed to the current development underway for a biorefinery in Red Hook/Brooklyn by Tri-State Biodiesel using WVO collected in Brooklyn as the feedstock. Survey tools online at http://nyc.cce.cornell.edu/emerginginitiatives/energy-research.php.

With NYSERDA funding, CCE is recruiting city apartment buildings to use a biofuel blend of B20 (20 percent BD from soydiesel and 80 percent No.2 heating oil). Performance data are being collected to enable other municipalities to consider similar alternative-fuel systems.

Under the direction of Brookhaven National Labs, CCE researchers are assessing blending BD with No. 6 heating oil, a heavier, cheaper (and dirtier) fuel oil. Successful outcomes would mean new opportunities for large institutions from hospitals to universities, and will measurably reduce particulate generation from diesel-engine operation, improving public health by reducing asthma-inducing particulates in the air. (John Nettleton, CCE NYC)

Biofuels and Renewable Energy Projects

Pellet Potential

Grass pellets are an economical, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, sustainable and small-scale form of bioenergy. Cornell applied research on grass biomass management and combustion is gaining attention nationwide. Grass pellets have potential as a low-tech, small-scale, renewable energy system that can be burned without emissions and have approximately 96 percent of the BTUs of wood pellets. The pellet processing can occur in conventional pelleting facilities or in mobile facilities. A recent successful project used a mobile pelleting unit stationed in Quebec, Canada. This low-technology, small-scale, bioenergy system has proven economic benefit, creating local production, processing, and consumption, and absorbing excess production capacity on farms, while redirecting funds spent on conventional energy to local economies. The first public demonstration of grass-pellet bioenergy technology has been installed at Cornell in the form of a new grass-pellet stove, now heating the Big Red Barn on campus. (Jerome Cherney, CSS)

Soil Fertility and Energy Production

Biofuels crop growing and harvesting can potentially deplete soil quality. One promising area of research harnesses bioenergy production with the return of a soil conditioner — bio-char — which is similar to charcoal and improves the production potential of soils. Researchers tested a wide range of feedstock types and production temperatures to optimize for highest stability of the bio-char with high nutrient retention. International policy makers, engineers, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and farmers have requested guidance in design and implementation of this technology. (C.J. Lehmann, CSS)

Willow

Earlier research has shown willow clones can be grown and harvested and the biomass used as a fuel or as a wood product as part of particle board or other products. One Cornell project underway at several area farms has overcome major hurdles holding back commercializing short-rotation wood crops. The result is demand for willow biomass is beginning to grow. Researchers have made progress working with equipment manufacturers in England and elsewhere to create willow planting and harvesting tools, necessary for economic and sustainable commercial production. (Daniel Aneshansley, BEE)

Outreach, Education and Development

Through CCE and public and private partnerships, Cornell is involved in dozens of renewable energy systems projects throughout the state. Here is a sampling:

Developing Local Resources

CCE educators, in cooperation with farmers, town planners, and community leaders in rural Fabius, NY, are identifying strategies for integrating energy into the overall community plan. The town board recently approved the formation of a focus group to develop a proposal for identifying the energy uses for the community, including electricity, heat, and transportation energy. The proposal will also survey potential energy resources including agriculture, wind, and solar. The project’s ultimate goal is to attract entrepreneurs and businesses to capitalize on local resources and/or to provide the town itself with tools to develop renewable energy sources as a community resource. The model could serve as a template for smaller communities to objectively and proactively address energy needs and create new business opportunities. (Chuck Kyle, CCE Onondaga County)

CCE of Dutchess, Orange and Columbia counties are offering cutting-edge biomass education to farmers, landowners and others during the 2007 growing season. Several demonstrations and trial plantings of biomass crop are being established in these three counties. The Extension education programs are focusing on establishment costs of biomass crops, production methods and variety selection. Farms that are grower-cooperators of the trial planting will host the education sessions. (Larry Hulle, Steve Hadcock, Les Hulcoop, CCE Dutchess, Orange and Columbia Counties)

CCE is providing residents in the Central Southern Tier with ways to evaluate and adopt renewable energy measures. CCE of Schuyler, Tompkins, and Tioga Counties are offering detailed workshops focusing on renewable electric systems, renewable energy sources for heating, a regional tour with over a dozen sites that includes at least one home, business or farm utilizing renewable energy technologies, development of a readiness assessment tool, and decision making guide for understanding renewable energy options, including suitable site conditions, different technologies, and costs. Workshops topics also address researching, designing, financing, installing, and monitoring a renewable energy system.

Demonstrations and Education

$mart Moves

The Cornell Department of Design and Environmental Analysis (CHE), CCE, and NYSERDA are educating New Yorkers about ways to reduce energy expenses in the home. The New York Energy $mart Program, administered by NYSERDA, provides energy-related technical and financial assistance to promote energy efficiency and economic development. Through the Consumer Education Program for Residential Energy Efficiency, 35 CCE educators across the state are working to increase consumer awareness of energy efficiency and of New York Energy $mart programs to make single homes and multi-family buildings more energy efficient. http://www.cce.cornell.edu/programs/housing/NYSERDA/ 
(Joe Laquatra, Design and Environmental Analysis [DEA]; Mark Pierce, DEA).

Alternative Energy and Education in Tompkins

CCE of Tompkins County and the Ithaca Green Building Alliance organize an annual Green Buildings Tour held in Tompkins County by the Northeastern Sustainable Energy Association, in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour. Green building involves designing, constructing or renovating homes, schools, workplaces and other structures for high performance, human health, and environmental sustainability. The Open House provides opportunity for the public to experience green building practices and technologies.
Read more at the Open House website.
(Tania Schusler, CCE Tompkins County).

Ithaca Adopts Biodiesel

Cornell vehicles, Ithaca city and Tompkins County fleets will operate more cleanly due to an agreement promoted by staff and students in CALS. Tompkins transit authorities, Ithaca city and county and school districts joined Cornell in committing to buying B5, a fuel made from 95 percent traditional petroleum diesel and 5 percent soy-based fuel, beginning in 2007. Farm vehicles in the college have already converted to this alternative.

Partnerships and Collaborators include:

Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Ithaca), Cornell Department of Engineering, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (Geneva), Northeast Sun Grant Initiative, Empire State Development (Cellulosic Ethanol Research Facilities), New York Science, Technology and Academic Research Agency, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Nanobiotechnology Center, Mascoma/Genencor Cellulosic Pilot Plant, New York Farm Viability Institute, Brookhaven National Lab, and New York City Mayor’s office, and Syracuse University.

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Contact

Mike Hoffmann

Director, Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
245 Roberts Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-5905

Phone: 607-255-2552
Email: mph3@cornell.edu