Solid biomass energy in general offers attractive [net energy] ratios.
grass energy in particular, with a net energy of 14:1 in the pellet
state, yields, after combustion in an industrial system with 83%
efficiency [USDA & PFI data] a systems net energy of 11.6:1. No
liquid biofuel can come close to this systems net energy factor. Thus
we anticipate a significant future role for herbaceous energy crops in
our nation’s drive to energy independence and energy security.
Evidence of this can be found in the new farm bill with its attention
to incentives for growing grass as a dedicated energy crop.

Clearly, it is far better to BURN grass than turn it into ethanol.
7.7X better. All of the heating oil displaced by grass can then be
used to reduce oil imports required by transportation! This is a
faster, better, cheaper solution with a whole lot less entropy than
the ethanol route. N.H.’s own [Charlie Bass] new this years ago.

I note that the best claim for [corn ethanol] net energy is 1.67:1. It is reported that ethanol from grass has a net energy factor 3X greater = 5:1 But it is all burned in Internal Combustion Engines with just 30% efficiency.

-- JockGill