Growers in the Midwest are ready to bet the farm on cellulosic ethanol even though technology challenges remain. The plant miscanthus is being planted in Illinois in anticipation of breakthroughs that will make the plant superior to corn-based ethanol, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Miscanthus is a perennial plant that requires little maintenance and no pesticides. Scientists at the Energy Biosciences Institute are working on processes for converting the cellulose from the plant into an ethanol crop that yields more energy per acre than corn.

The plant is being used in Europe as a source of biomass that can be burned in electric power plants.

Some farmers see the Midwest as the home to an energy boom similar to the oilfields of last century, but with cellulosic ethanol as the centerpiece. Until the technology for processing cellulose is nailed down it is a somewhat risky business, although with companies such as BP involved, the likelihood of success is high.