Numerous crops have been proposed for energy plantations. Some produce oils that could be diesel fuels, but other uses may be more profitable. Promising candidates are:
Key features of some energy crops
|
Crop |
Comments |
|
Sugarcane |
High efficiency for capturing solar energy. Proven for fuel
alcohol. |
|
Corn |
Less photo efficient than cane. Alcohol fuel use requires
subsidies. |
|
Trees |
Hybrid species grow rapidly. Refining requires much
capital. |
|
Algae |
Most productive of plants listed. Require flat lands,
abundant water. |