Qairos Energies Investment Points to Hemp as Fuel Source
The Qairos facility will be based on gasification technology, in which heat and oxygen are applied to hemp biomass, in this case, resulting in gaseous substances.
Earlier this month, French fuel cell startup Qairos Energies announced that it would invest approximately $23 million (€18.8 million) into a facility that will convert hemp biomass into hydrogen and methane generation electricity for regional transit agencies and natural gas constituents for Gaz Réseau Distribution France.
All told, the investment sends a signal that hemp could play a role in alternative energy development.
The Qairos facility will be based on gasification technology, in which heat and oxygen are applied to hemp biomass, in this case, resulting in gaseous substances. The target is for Qairos to develop two tons of hydrogen and 200 cubic meters of methane per day.
This Kentucky Senator is Challenging the Federal THC Limit in Hemp
State Sen. Adrienne Southworth has introduced legislation to increase the THC limit for hemp in Kentucky in hopes of leading the charge for other states.
Just one day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its final rule on hemp, Kentucky Senator Adrienne Southworth introduced legislation in the state to increase the allowable amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in hemp to 1%.
While the USDA’s final rule maintains its 0.3% THC limit, Southworth, who assumed office Jan. 1, is hoping that may still change at the federal level. And if it doesn’t, she’s hoping Kentucky can lead the charge in helping other states make the change at a local level.