Researchers have found two invasive vines, Brazilian Nightshade and Climbing Asparagus, could be transformed into high-quality biomass pellets for renewable energy.
The study, led by Dr Bruno de Almeida Moreira from UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, assessed 15 weed species found west of Brisbane. The pellets were produced by Ipswich startup WorkEco, supported by an Australian Government Strategic University Reform Fund (SURF) grant.
“With Australian regulations ruling wood pellets not renewable, we’re seeking alternative biomass sources,” Dr Moreira said. “These weeds have a lignan content of about 25 per cent, which is competitive with wood, and can produce market-grade biofuel pellets.”
Co-author Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav, leader of UQ’s AgriSustain lab, said bioenergy could supply 20 per cent of Australia’s energy needs by 2050, but more research is required.
“This work could create new revenue streams for startups, assist local governments in managing green waste, and reduce environmental impacts,” Dr Yadav said. “Weeds have supply limits, so we’re also exploring other biomass sources such as council green waste and broadacre crops like sorghum.”
