Alliant Energy working with the Chariton Valley Biomass Project and the DOE ended their recent test burn to determine the viability of growing, and burning switchgrass as an energy substitute.  All indications to date are that it was a success.  According to the press release, Nearly 16,000 tons of switchgrass produce more than 19,600 megawatt-hours of electricity in a three month test burn.  This resulted in a reduction of 51,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from comparable coal production.

It was a great learning experience.  Yield production on the farms improved over the test period as weed control practices were instituted.  The study is still analyzing how to improve equipment use, the debaling, pulverising techniques and other parts of the process. 

Bottom line, the energy output from switchgrass is viable at current oil prices.  Obviously the challenge is the processing facilities.  Grow the switchgrass, ship the switchgrass (locally) – debale, pulverize, and use in an existing coal fired plant (possibly in natural gas facility also), as a fuel substitute.  As this becomes more viable, the local processing and distribution centers will need to be established.

The full press release: http://www.alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/p015315.hcsp