Across the world there are over 80 potential energy plant species being considered and used for fuel and energy production. Theses include cereals, trees, grasses, reeds etc. Some produce biomass as the by-products of food production (ground nut, sugar cane, coconut palm), but a large proportion are grown specifically as dedicated biomass energy crops.

Although many non-wood (grass crop) biomass crop species originate from tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, they are capable of producing viable yields in milder parts of the world such as Britain. Energy grass crops are suitable even for semi-upland Wales as shown by recent trials by Cardiff University. Many types of perennial rhizomatous grasses have been planted and to date miscanthus, switchgrass, prairie cordgrass and the native reed canary grass have all grown successfully in upland Wales and Herefordshire with current trials of giant reed and cardoon thistle on-going.

Energy grasses and other non-wood biomass crops have the potential to produce yields comparable to those produced by wood crops such as short rotation willow coppice (SRWC) in Wales. They have long productive lives like SRWC, require low fertiliser and pesticide additions and they share the ability to increase ecological value to plantations in comparison to previous land uses such as permanent pasture or arable crops.

The main advantages of non-wood biomass crops, over wood crops, are in their management. Farmers have a familiarity with their husbandry (particularly grasses) and often already have access to the machinery for servicing the crop. Pest and disease damage is reported to be low, crops are easily stored and, unlike trees, are simply taken out of production when not required. Non-wood crops also offer an annual income and reach peak production more quickly.