Abstract

Miscanthus is a perennial C4 crop of Poaceae with a major impact on biomass production. It can be harvested annually for about 20 years. Because of several outstanding traits like drought and cold resistance, wide adaptability and low cost, it has become a raw biomass material for energy production. It can be large scale planted on marginal land to alleviate energy pressure, improve soil properties, protect environment and promote sustainable economic development. As an energy crop, Miscanthus has two main forms of utilization, one is to produce solid biofuel for combustion, and the other one is to convert it into fuel like biomass ethanol and biogas through thermochemical or biochemical methods such as biomass gasification, pyrolysis, etc. This editorial discusses the recent research progress of Miscanthus as an energy crop, and prospected research focus in the future.

Keywords: Miscanthus; Biomass; Energy crops