VONORE, Tenn. — In 2009, The U.S. Department of Energy awarded nearly $5 million to Genera Energy Inc., a recognized innovator in sustainable biomass feedstock advancements and supply chain improvements in Vonore, Tenn., and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture to research and develop economical systems for bulk-handling and processing of chopped switchgrass. The goal was to reduce the costs of baling in the field and subsequent bale grinding.
“Through this grant and by collaborating with Genera Energy, we’ve been able to evaluate existing switchgrass supply logistics and to develop ground-breaking systems that offer better and. . .