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Bioenergy is a fascinating field of study that's constantly evolving, with researchers making groundbreaking discoveries that could revolutionize the way we produce and use energy. In this article, we'll uncover three incredible facts about bioenergy that most people have never heard of. Prepare to be amazed as we dive into these jaw-dropping revelations!

1. Bioenergy can be produced from unexpected sources

Most people think of corn or sugarcane when they hear the term "bioenergy," but the truth is, researchers are exploring a wide range of unconventional sources to produce renewable energy. Here are two examples that may surprise you:

Algae: These tiny aquatic organisms can grow rapidly, producing high amounts of oil that can be converted into biofuel. The best part? Algae can be grown in wastewater or saltwater, minimizing competition for valuable freshwater resources and arable land.

Coffee grounds: Millions of tons of coffee grounds are thrown away every year, but did you know they can be transformed into a sustainable energy source? Researchers have found that coffee grounds can be converted into biodiesel, which can be used to power vehicles, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

2. Bioenergy can be stored in the form of artificial photosynthesis

One of the most exciting breakthroughs in bioenergy research is the development of artificial photosynthesis. Mimicking the process that plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy, scientists have found a way to store solar energy as chemical fuel. By using special catalysts and materials, artificial photosynthesis can split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, which can be stored and later recombined to produce electricity.

This incredible innovation not only allows for the storage of renewable energy but also helps combat climate change by capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

3. Microbial fuel cells can turn wastewater into electricity

Imagine turning wastewater into a valuable source of electricity. That's precisely what microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can do! MFCs use bacteria to break down organic matter in wastewater, producing electrons that can be captured and used to generate electricity. This groundbreaking technology not only helps clean up wastewater but also provides a sustainable energy source.

The potential applications of MFCs are extensive, ranging from powering remote monitoring stations to supplying electricity to communities in developing countries with limited access to clean water and energy.

Bioenergy is a field full of surprises and untapped potential. From producing biofuels from unconventional sources like algae and coffee grounds to developing artificial photosynthesis and microbial fuel cells, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in renewable energy. As we continue to explore the incredible world of bioenergy, there's no doubt that even more mind-blowing discoveries are on the horizon. So, keep an eye on this exciting field – who knows what shocking revelation will come next?

Microscopic algae can be found just about everywhere you look – in ponds, puddles, on walls… and in the pool if it gets low on chlorine! Some people think of these organisms as "slimy", but they are just like tiny plants. They use the sun's energy to make everything that they need, just like a growing plant. In fact, we have known for decades that they can make hydrogen gas too. Hydrogen could be a great fuel if we could make enough of it in a cheap and sustainable way – it is odorless and non-toxic, and when burnt it makes only water (i.e. no greenhouse gasses). The project described here allows students to visualize (literally!) production of hydrogen by algae, allowing them to explore ways to encourage our tiny friends to make more or make it for longer.

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Plastic pollution is still a huge global problem for our environment, especially our oceans. To show you the true scale of the problem here are some facts for you:

• 300 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year (UNEP)
• Only 9% of the plastic we use globally gets recycled (UNEP)
• In the UK less than a third of all plastic is recycled (PlasticsEurope)
• It’s estimated 8.3 million tons of plastic has been produced since the 1950’s
• The production of plastic is forecast to grow by 60% by 2030 & treble by 2050 (Center for International Environmental Law)
  
  

As people are becoming aware of the scale of the problem, more is being done to reduce our plastic consumption. Companies such as IKEA and Iceland have committed to phasing out single-use plastic and opting to replace them with more sustainable alternatives which is a great start. Although there have been efforts to reduce the impact that plastic has on the environment there is still more that needs to be done.

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The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. Marine debris is litter that ends up in oceans, seas, and other large bodies of water.

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There are several innovative solutions that are being developed to reuse plastic in sustainable housing. Some of the key innovations include:

1. Plastic Lumber: Plastic lumber is made from recycled plastic and is being used as a building material for sustainable housing. Companies such as Trex and Bear Board produce plastic lumber that is used in decking, fencing, and other outdoor applications.
2. Plastic Bricks: Plastic bricks are made from recycled plastic and are being used as building blocks for sustainable housing. Companies such as ByFusion produce plastic bricks that are durable, lightweight, and easy to work with.
3. Plastic Roof Tiles: Plastic roof tiles are made from recycled plastic and are being used as a roofing material for sustainable housing. Companies such as Equinox Roof Tiles and Brava Roof Tile produce plastic roof tiles that are durable, lightweight, and energy-efficient.
4. Plastic Insulation: Plastic insulation is made from recycled plastic and is being used as an insulation material for sustainable housing. Companies such as ReVibe Energy and PlastiCycle produce plastic insulation that is efficient and environmentally friendly.

These innovative solutions are helping to reduce waste, lower the carbon footprint of building materials, and create sustainable housing. By reusing plastic, these solutions are providing a new use for a material that would otherwise be discarded and contributing to a more sustainable future.

It’s worth noting that these solutions are still in the development stage, but they hold promise for reducing the amount of plastic waste and creating more sustainable housing options. The specific location information for these companies might not be readily available, but they are primarily located in the United States and Europe. Dates of establishment for these companies also vary, with some being established as early as the 1990s and others being more recent startups.

New standards announced by the EPA would require car and truck manufacturers to adhere to much more stringent emission standards starting in 2027. They include new guidelines for small and medium-duty vehicles as well as tougher regulations for heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks.

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Until recently we didn’t know how much plastic was piling up around us. When we found out, the picture wasn’t pretty

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Wyke Farms has been in the cheddar cheesemaking business since 1861. The Clothier family company kept their award-winning, 160-year-old recipe and spent nearly 15 years on bioengineering to become the UK’s first 100% self-sufficient in green energy. As their next step in sustainability, they launched their Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Somerset Cheddar, the first carbon-neutral cheese in the world.

Named after Grandma Ivy, whose recipe is still used 100 years later, the Ivy’s Reserve Cheddar has a nutty taste with bits of salt for a crunchy bite. Aged for up to 18 months under wood, the cheddar tastes more subtle than the sharp orange-y cheddars you might be used to, with a smooth butteriness in the mouth. Additionally, it is perfect melted or on your favorite charcuterie paired with nuts and dried fruits.

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Energy storage is a crucial aspect of the energy system, as it allows excess energy to be stored and used at a later time. Energy can be stored in various forms, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical. Each form of energy storage has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of energy storage technology depends on the specific application and requirements.

1. Mechanical energy storage: Mechanical energy storage systems use energy to do work by transforming energy from one form to another. For example, a pumped hydroelectric energy storage system stores energy in the form of water at different heights, which can be later released to generate electricity.
2. Thermal energy storage: Thermal energy storage systems store energy in the form of heat, which can be later used for heating or cooling applications. An example of thermal energy storage is the use of underground thermal energy storage (UTES) systems, which store energy in the form of hot water or air in underground aquifers or cavities.
3. Electrical energy storage: Electrical energy storage systems store energy in the form of electric charges, which can be later used to generate electricity. Batteries are the most common form of electrical energy storage and are used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
4. Chemical energy storage: Chemical energy storage systems store energy in the form of chemical bonds, which can be later used to generate electricity. An example of chemical energy storage is hydrogen fuel cells, which store energy in the form of hydrogen and generate electricity through a chemical reaction.
5. Flywheel energy storage: Flywheel energy storage systems store energy in the form of kinetic energy in a spinning flywheel. The energy can be later used to generate electricity by slowing down the flywheel and using the kinetic energy to generate electricity.
6. Compressed air energy storage: Compressed air energy storage systems store energy in the form of compressed air, which can be later used to generate electricity. The compressed air is stored in underground cavities or tanks and is released to generate electricity as needed.
7. Superconducting magnetic energy storage: Superconducting magnetic energy storage systems store energy in the form of magnetic fields. The energy is stored in a superconducting coil and can be later used to generate electricity by passing a current through the coil.

In conclusion, energy can be stored in various forms, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of energy storage technology depends on the specific application and requirements, and the development of new energy storage technologies continues to play an important role in the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

Fossil fuels have played a significant role in shaping the energy landscape of the modern world. Here are ten key historical events that have helped to shape our use of fossil fuels:

1. The Industrial Revolution (1760-1840): The Industrial Revolution saw the widespread use of coal as an energy source to power factories, mines, and steam engines. This marked the beginning of our reliance on fossil fuels and the growth of heavy industry and manufacturing. James Watt is credited with improving the efficiency of the steam engine, which was a key driver of the Industrial Revolution.
2. The discovery of oil (1859): The discovery of oil in Pennsylvania in 1859 marked the beginning of the oil industry and the widespread use of petroleum as a source of energy. This discovery was made by Edwin Drake, and paved the way for the development of the modern oil and gas industry and the production of gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum-based fuels.
3. The widespread use of the internal combustion engine (late 19th century): The widespread use of the internal combustion engine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, powered by gasoline and diesel, marked a major shift in how we use energy. The internal combustion engine was developed by Nikolaus Otto and became the dominant power source for transportation, driving the growth of the automobile industry and the development of our modern transportation system.
4. The energy crisis of the 1970s (1973-1974): The energy crisis of the 1970s, marked by oil shortages and rising oil prices, led to increased interest in alternative energy sources and energy efficiency. This period saw the beginning of a shift towards renewable energy and efforts to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
5. The increased use of natural gas (late 20th century): The increased use of natural gas in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, fueled in part by the development of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) techniques, has become an important source of energy. Natural gas is now widely used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking. The technique of hydraulic fracturing was developed by George P. Mitchell.
6. The growth of renewable energy (late 20th century onwards): The growth of renewable energy, including wind, solar, and hydropower, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has contributed to a shift away from fossil fuels. Renewable energy has become increasingly cost-competitive and has helped to diversify our energy mix.
7. Climate change concerns (1980s onwards): Concerns about the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and climate change have increased in recent decades. Climate change is widely recognized as one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon energy system have become a priority. James Hansen was among the first scientists to raise the alarm about the dangers of climate change.
8. Government policy and regulations (late 20th century onwards): Government policy and regulations have played an important role in shaping the energy landscape and driving the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Government policies have helped to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, while also limiting the use of fossil fuels.
9. The development of electric vehicles (late 20th century onwards): The development of electric vehicles, powered by batteries or fuel cells, has begun to challenge the dominance of the internal combustion engine. Electric vehicles offer the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The first electric vehicles were developed in the late 19th century, but the modern electric vehicle was popularized by Tesla and its founder, Elon Musk.
10. Advances in energy storage: Advances in energy storage, including the development of lithium-ion batteries, have enabled the growth of renewable energy and improved the reliability and stability of the electricity grid. Energy storage also provides new opportunities for integrating renewable energy into the energy system and managing demand.

For additional information on this timeline check out the What Are Biofuels page.

These events have helped to shape our reliance on fossil fuels and have driven changes in the energy industry over time. Understanding these historical events is important for understanding the current state of energy production and consumption and the challenges we face in moving towards a more sustainable energy future.