Cooling the Planet, One Plant at a Time

Reducing greenhouse gases and protecting our air, water and land are among the most pressing imperatives of our time.

Around the world, industrialized countries are at a crossroads that will determine the future health of the environment we all share. Renewable, low-carbon energy sources such as cellulosic ethanol can reduce our carbon footprint, while helping fuel sustainable economic growth.

The power of renewable resources

Producing cellulosic ethanol from low-energy-consuming, non-food biomass makes sense. Feedstocks are abundant; current estimates indicate more than 1 billion tons of sustainable biomass are available annually in the U.S. alone.* Experts believe that domestic sources can yield enough cellulosic ethanol to virtually eliminate the need for imported oil.

Driving down CO₂ production

During the last several decades, increased burning of fossil fuels has caused ever higher concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to be released into the atmosphere. According the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the primary GHG emitted in the United States is carbon dioxide produced from fossil fuel consumption, representing nearly 85 percent of total U.S. GHG emissions.

Cellulosic ethanol production has a favorable CO₂ balance, offering a fuel source that is superior to petroleum fuels in terms of net GHG emissions. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Argonne National Lab report that producing advanced cellulosic ethanol generates 85% to 90% less greenhouse gas than petroleum when all inputs and outputs are considered. The EPA estimates that corn-based ethanol reduces GHG emissions by 22%, while coal-to-fuel liquids increase these emissions by approximately 120%.

Qteros is working with strategic partners around the world to help build the renewable energy infrastructure that serves our needs today—and protects the environment for tomorrow.

* Source: U.S. DOE & USDA Billion Ton Study