The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and economic viability of producing biomass from Miscanthus, a genus of high-yielding perennial grass that has shown promise as a sustainable source of renewable energy.
The project will utilize the crop, which by the virtue of its deep rhizome structure and broad adaptation can potentially convert reclaimed mine land to a source of biomass for electricity or liquid transportation fuel, to move towards the goal of energy independence.
Oxford president and CEO Charles Ungurean said that while Oxford’s focus will always be responsible coal mining, the company recognizes that utilities in the State of Ohio are committed to including biomass among their fuel sources in the coming years.
“Part of our responsibility is to reclaim land that was formerly mined, a program in which we take great pride. As such, we are pleased to be able to assist our utility partners in advancing their efforts to develop alternative fuel sources,” Ungurean said.
