A Chinese biotech company has announced a breakthrough in the development of “super giant reed,” a genetically transformed version of the giant reed, now seen as a high-yield renewable resource. This new variant, which includes over 40 varieties tailored for specific applications such as biofuels, has demonstrated significantly higher biomass output compared to its wild counterpart, reported China Daily.
Landuo Biotech, based in Wuhan, Hubei province, reported that the biomass of the super giant reed is three times that of the wild version, making it a promising source of fuel. The reed’s calorific value ranges from 4,000 to 4,500 kilocalories per kilogram, about two-thirds of that of standard coal, positioning it as a potential substitute for fossil fuels.
According to the company, planting 13,000 hectares of super giant reed could generate the equivalent of 0.45 to 1.5 million metric tons of “green coal” annually. General Manager Song Xin explained that the reed could replace coal in a variety of industries, including power generation, chemicals, construction materials, and civil heating. This could lead to lower fuel and material costs for businesses while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Estimates suggest that planting 40 million hectares of super giant reed could replace 2.2 billion tons of coal used in China’s power generation sector, cutting CO2 emissions by 4 billion tons. This could also generate an annual revenue of 250 million yuan ($34 million) for the green power industry. However, Song emphasized that the real potential of the super giant reed lies not just in its role as a coal substitute, but in its ability to produce high-value bio-based energy and chemicals.
The company is working to develop a variety of applications for the reed, including bio-based power generation, oil refining, biodegradable plastics, and products for the fiber industry. Landuo Biotech has also pioneered a processing technology that can convert the reed into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, natural gas, biochar, and other products through high-temperature pyrolysis in an oxygen-free environment. These products could then be used to generate further energy.
Landuo Biotech has established specific growing and nutrient conditions for each variety of reed, and because the giant reed does not produce seeds, it is propagated through cloning. The company has been collecting wild giant reed germplasms since 2012 and has used its extensive gene database for several years of targeted breeding.
Currently, the company’s annual production of super giant reed reaches 1.2 billion plants, covering 113,000 hectares. To scale up industrial production, the company aims to cultivate large quantities of high-quality, low-cost resource plants. The super giant reed’s exceptional carbon sequestration capabilities also contribute to its environmental appeal. Each ton of reed produced absorbs 1.7 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it 25 to 50 times more efficient at carbon capture than the average forest in China.
By the end of last year, over 3,300 hectares of super giant reed had been planted in 53 regions across China, including provinces like Hubei, Hunan, Hebei, and Hainan. The reed’s adaptability to various soil types, including saline-alkaline and degraded soils, makes it ideal for non-cultivated land such as beaches, wetlands, and abandoned mine sites. This versatility not only supports ecological restoration but also fosters the development of local industries such as livestock feed, green hydrogen, and green natural gas.
As the demand for renewable resources continues to grow, the super giant reed represents a promising alternative to fossil fuels while simultaneously helping to combat climate change through its exceptional carbon capture abilities.
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