Fastest Growing and Highest Yielding Biomass Feedstock

Aug. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Operated by leading private investment company Insight Group PLC, this project will produce a staggering 500 hectares of the large warm-season perennial grass and leading biomass crop in the United States – Miscanthus Giganteus.

Whilst many have believed Corn and other grasses such as Switchgrass to be the largest yield generating crops available, Miscanthus Giganteus has been behind the scenes producing more than 2 ½ times the ethanol of corn and yielding 2-4 times more dried tonnes than Switchgrass.

Miscanthus Giganteus produces an average yield of 20 MT/ha compared to 5.78 MT/ha for Switchgrass. The comparative productivity of the two crops has shown Miscanthus Giganteus produces more than twice the biomass of Switchgrass. Mature stands of Miscanthus Giganteus averaged 48.3 TDM/ha (2.3 SE) representing an energy conversion efficiency of 1.3 - 2.0% of incident solar radiation to biomass, while Switchgrass produced 15.3 TMD/ha (2.8 SE), a conversion efficiency of 00.6 - 0.85%.

Used primarily for combustion in power plants due to its low water and ash contents and high energy output to input ratio, Miscanthus Giganteus can be burned to produce heat and steam for power turbines. Furthermore, when combined in a 50-50% mixture with coal, it can be used in some current coal-burning power plants without modifications.

The crop's high yields, low year-on-year maintenance and its 20-year lifespan have catapulted Miscanthus Giganteus up the biomass ladder making it top of mind for governments and organisations within the EU who need to contribute to the EU targets including 20% energy consumption derived from renewable sources by 2020.

Insight Group PLC are the exclusive suppliers of BIO E-GRASS™, backed by the government of the Republic of The Gambia, in West Africa.  Insight Group PLC's commitment to the local community will see Gambians significantly benefit through the plantation of rice fields.  Due to Gambia’s high population growth, the Gambians depend heavily on imports of rice and the dietary energy supply is barely sufficient to meet population energy requirements.  Insight Group PLC will be supplying rice to the locals at no cost and help support the Government’s commitment to bring its people out of poverty.

"Whilst we believe in ensuring our investors achieve the best possible returns, we also believe that a degree of "fair play" should be applied with all of our projects and we will always seek to leave behind a positive footprint that sees entire villages benefit from our initiatives," says Alfonso Rivera Revilla, Chairman, Insight Group PLC.

Insight Group PLC's project team will be working hand-in-hand with the Gambian government to oversee the distribution of harvested food matter to the workers and villages in most need; ensuring their 'foot print' in Africa is ethical and socially responsible.

# # #

Insight Group PLC is a leading finance and investment company that offers unique investment opportunities. With a global presence, we are able to provide alternative investment options and expertise in soft commodities and property.