WUHAN: After genetic transformation, “super giant reed”, a bamboo-like grass, has become a high-yield renewable resource, according to a Chinese biotech company.
This “super giant reed”, an improved version of the giant reed, includes more than 40 varieties developed using a gene database tailored for specific applications such as biofuels.
According to Landuo Biotech based in Wuhan, Hubei province, the biomass of super giant reed – an indicator of its potential as a fuel source – surpasses that of wild giant reed three times over.
These new varieties have a calorific value of 4,000 to 4,500 kilocalories per kg, or two-thirds of that of standard coal, making them a potential substitute for fossil fuels.
Planting some 13,000ha of super giant reed is equivalent to creating a green coal mine with an annual output of 0.45 to 1.5 million tonnes, the company said.
“Super giant reeds 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.” — China Daily/ANN
