I am a big proponent of finding a viable biofuel alternative to oil for energy in the United States. Ethanol is a good choice but it’s been a question whether or not it would be profitable and cost-effective. A new paper published today in the Proceedings of Natural Sciences clears that all up. Turns out that switchgrass produces 540% more energy than is required to grow it and turn it into ethanol. This should clear the way for large-scale conversion of marginal farmland into switchgrass crops.