Energy Crop Considerations

MBS is developing energy grass varieties that will be used in large-scale biomass production systems for production of power and biofuels. The challenge is to develop and deploy biomass production systems that balance a number of sustainability objectives to achieve the most sustainable outcome overall. As a genetics company, Mendel is working to develop varieties that support that balance.

We are working to develop sustainable dedicated energy crop systems and varieties that:

• Maximize productivity per acre
• Minimize inputs per acre
• Maintain or enhance soil fertility
• Maximize soil carbon sequestration
• Do not utilize protected habitats
• Are not invasive

At Mendel, we believe these goals are best achieved with the C4 grasses – plants that are nature's most efficient means of converting sunlight to biomass energy, particularly with limited water availability and at high temperatures. We are focused on Miscanthus, a perennial C4 grass, which will regrow for many years once established. Miscanthus does not require annual tilling or replanting, and provides numerous benefits:

• Substantial greenhouse gas emission reduction as compared to conventional transportation fuel
• Soil health and fertility
• Excellent water holding capacity
• Biodiversity