Potential Ethanol Production in Texas
The recent resurgence of interest in ethanol production prompted various stakeholders in the State to call for an unbiased analysis of the potential in Texas. This project was designed to assess the feasibility of ethanol production in Texas. While not intended to determine the feasibility of an individual site or region of the state, the feasibility of constructing a plant in several regions of the State was assessed. An attempt was made to focus on both the positives and negatives for various regions of the state in terms of the economics of locating an ethanol plant in the area and on the feasibility of the plant.

The report was completed in 2003 by Texas A & M University’s Department of Agricultural Economics. SECO commissioned the report to provide a broad overview of ethanol production and to evaluate its potential as an economic development strategy for Rural Texas.

Final Report: 2003

Abbreviated Version

Methane Generation: Dairy Waste to Energy
This project included the feasibility of and points out the economic implications of anaerobic digesters on Texas dairy farms.  The study provides the information needed to allow state facilities and other entities that utilize and generate revenue from agricultural land use (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) to evaluate renewable energy production as a viable economic tool. The report provides an economic multiplier, which will allow both large and small producers the ability to evaluate their resource and account for electric utility pricing. The biogas digester capital budget sheet is available upon request.

Final Report: June 2005

North Texas Biomass: Mesquite to Ethanol Study (DOE Special Project)
SECO contracted with Texas A & M University for work on a project designed to develop a viable mesquite biomass industry in North Texas and to determine the technical, economic, and ecological feasibility of harvesting mesquite for use as a renewable biomass in this region. The project allows refinement of existing technology for harvesting, baling, and lifting and loading mesquite biomass. Texas A & M's expertise in rangeland management will help determine the estimated regrowth to evaluate the potential of mesquite wood for conversion to ethanol using Pearson Technology.

Final Report: January 2007

Project PowerPoint Presentation

Aquatic Biomass Production
Designed to study aquatic biomass production in Texas, this project also focused on the treatment of wastewater, water reuse, natural wastewater treatment systems, and by-product development from waste products. Texas Tech University collected biomass production levels of aquatic plants. Cattails, water hyacinths, and duckweed are grown on simulated recycled wastewater under various levels of loading over an annual cycle so that an estimate can be ascertained as to the possible aquatic biomass production levels based on the recycling of various sources of wastewater.

In Fiscal Year 2007, SECO funded the development of an economic model and the cost feasibility structure for an interdependent system combining feed manufacturing, aquaculture and feedlot production systems with the conversion of biomass into energy while effectively treating a waste stream. The modeling incorporated marketing, transportation and manufacturing aspects of the system. Utilizing biomass to create a source of income would be a positive strategy for ginners and livestock producers, and recycling water for the production of biomass that can be used to produce sustainable energy will help to preserve resources for future generations.

Final report: September 2007

Combined Heat and Power Potential Using Texas Agricultural Wastes
Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) is taking a deeper look at specific areas of potentially economic and resourceful uses of CHP, including CHP potential using Texas agricultural wastes. HARC characterized the emission reduction benefits of CHP systems in non-attainment regions of Texas and also collaborated with Safe Fuels, Inc. to measure and evaluate emissions of reciprocating engines using renewable biodiesel fuel.

Final Report: Biodiesel Emissions - November 2007

Final Report: CHP with Agricultural Wastes - January 2008

Final Report: NOx Emissions Impacts from Widespread Deployment of CHP in Houston - February 2008

In FY 2007, SECO worked with Baylor University and Texas A & M University to study production methods of renewable fuels using more abundant and sustainable biomass inputs such as unused agricultural and forestry residues, municipal wastes and high-yielding, sustainable energy crops. This project 1) expanded the analytical expertise in advanced measurement techniques for the process streams in ethanol, biodiesel and digester processing plants; 2) developed process models applicable to small-scale ethanol, biogas, and biodiesel producers in the state; and 3) developed the technical, economic, and environmental benefit study comparing the use of digesters to produce standard fuel sources.

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