Bioenergy

Bioenergy is renewable energy derived from biological sources, to be used for heat, electricity, or vehicle fuel. Biofuel derived from plant materials is among the most rapidly growing renewable energy technologies. Conversion of biomass to liquid fuel is a method utilizing plant products from a variety of sources to create additional sources for energy from domestic sources. 

USDA supports bioenergy research to help support the United State energy independence for developing liquid fuels from various plant materials. These materials can be more sustainable because they are developed from renewable sources: ethanol from wheat, sugar cane, molasses and corn, biodiesel from oilseeds and methane from manure; Woody materials from forests; and Grasses which can be co-fired with coal.

Continue to the full text Bioenergy in a Changing Climate or browse related content:

The Midwest includes agricultural lands, forests, and urban areas.

Increasing humidity and precipitation and rising extreme temperatures are having negative impacts across the Midwest. Integrating climate adaptation into planning processes can help build adaptive capacity to increase climate resilience. The U.S. Climate Resiliency Toolkit for…

Midwest U.S. Climate Resiliency Toolkit

Log truck

Content excerpted from "Carbon Benefits of Wood-based Products and Energy" on the USFS Climate Change Resource Center and the USFS report Considering Forest and Grassland Carbon in Land Management (WO-GTR-95). Issues Management activities can have a substantial effect on…

Carbon and Wood-based bioenergy

21st century

Growing Season Length Warmer temperatures have resulted in a longer freeze-free season and longer growing season across the region (Frumhoff et al. 2007, Kunkel et al. 2013). The freeze-free season, which is the period between the last occurrence of 32 °F in the spring and the…

Shifts in Growing Degree Days, Plant Hardiness Zones and Heat Zones

Upper level in biochar facility in Cornell 360

The need to maintain healthy agricultural soils has never been greater as we face the challenges of climate change and feeding an expanding human population. At Cornell, sustainability is a guiding principal across campus. Education, research, and public activities all…

Cornell Biochar and Compost Facilities

Within the United States, biofuels are generally divided into ethanol and biodiesel, and are as an additive or replacement for transportation fuels traditionally provided by petroleum, including gasoline and diesel. Ethanol and biodiesel can be produced corn, soybeans, or other…

Biofuel

Bioenergy is renewable energy derived from biological sources, to be used for heat, electricity, or vehicle fuel. Biofuel derived from plant materials is among the most rapidly growing renewable energy technologies. Conversion of biomass to liquid fuel is a method utilizing…

Bioenergy in a Changing Climate

Ongoing changes in climate have substantial impacts on the $76 billion agricultural sector in the Midwest. Assisting producers with adaptation practices that can improve their water availability and maintain soil productivity, will also reduce the variation in crop production…

Agricultural Adaptation in a Changing Climate

Changes in climate and extreme weather have already occurred and are increasing challenges for agriculture nationally and globally. Many of the impacts are expected to continue or intensify in the future. Because of the sensitivity of agriculture to weather and climate…

Agriculture in a Changing Climate

view of red barn across field

Regional Assessments Understanding and Assessing Climate Change: Implications for Nebraska 2014 Understanding and Assessing Climate Change: Implications for Nebraska documents many of the key challenges that Nebraska will face as a result of climate change. Commentaries from…

Understanding and Assessing Climate Change: Implications for Nebraska 2014

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