California-based VIASPACE Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s privately held Auro Infra to develop an agricultural project in Tanzania using an energy crop to power an electrical generation plant.
Giant King Grass will be used initially as feed for up to 5,000 head of cattle and sheep and the project group is also examining the potential to use the grass as a dedicated energy crop to power an electrical generation plant.
Chief Executive Carl Kukkonen said: "VIASPACE is pursuing global opportunities to grow and commercialize Giant King Grass as a low carbon renewable energy source, but also as animal feed in the near term. We are now growing Giant King Grass on leased land in China and are also seeking opportunities like this project in Africa to grow grass in other regions where both agriculture and industry are being encouraged as keys to economic development."
Kukkonen added, "To support our primary business plan to generate recurring revenue streams from clean energy, we are pursuing long-term grass supply contracts with biofuel producers and clean power plants. For example, a 30-MW biomass-based electricity power plant requires 460 tons of Giant King Grass each day during its approximately 50-year expected life."