An Iowa State University-based research project has designed a massively open online course or “MOOC” for to anyone interesting in learning about the energy-production potential of perennial grasses. Siouxland Public Media’s Mary Hartnett has this report.
Researchers and the USDA want to create a Midwestern sustainable biofuels and bioproducts system using perennial grasses. Perennial Plants like switchgrass could produce biomass that can be used to create energy. The MOOC is a free course that is open to anyone, that will give students a chance to learn about some new options for producing biofuels and exploring new careers in that industry. They can also learn how to grow perennial grasses on marginal or unused cropland for biofuel. For Siouxland Public Media, I’m Mary Hartnett.