A team of researchers working within the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has discovered a pathway to encourage a type of lignin formation in plants that could make the processing of crops grown for products such as sustainable jet fuels easier and less costly.
Fuel made from biomass—that is, plant or algae material or animal waste—is known as biofuel. Since biomass can easily be replenished, biofuel is considered to be a source of renewable energy, unlike fossil fuels, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas.
A team of scientists led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered the gene in agave that governs when the plant goes dormant and used it to create poplar trees that nearly doubled in size, increasing biomass yield for biofuels production and carbon sequestration.
Switchgrass, algae, forest trimmings, corn husks and corn stalks—you can’t eat these crops, and you would never put them on your table for Thanksgiving; however, together they make up a bountiful harvest of non-edible biomass. These crops can be used to produce biofuels and bioproducts, which can create more economic opportunities, increase energy independence, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
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.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a single gene that simultaneously boosts plant growth and tolerance for stresses such as drought and salt, all while tackling the root cause of climate change by enabling plants to pull more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
When we fill up our gas tanks, most pumps have a sticker informing us that the fuel “contains less than 10% ethanol.” This biofuel is produced primarily from corn. In harvesting corn for this use, or for food, producers are left with tons of corn stalks comprised of leaves and stems, with the stems consisting of cortex and pith (which may be better known as the white tissue around a peeled orange).
The first time I heard "Farmers, the original environmentalists", it really stuck with me. Because isn't that the truth?! Who would care more about the environment than people whose livelihoods depend solely on the land they live on? Yet, it always seems to surprise people (from both sides of the table) when I tell them I am an environmental dairy scientist. It is not a conventional role or job on a dairy. And it leads me to do a lot of explaining even to my husband and family. So what do I do exactly?
There are several innovative solutions that are being developed to reuse plastic in sustainable housing. Some of the key innovations include:
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.
Nature-based solutions are an effective tool to combat climate change triggered by rising carbon emissions, whether it’s by clearing the skies with bio-based aviation fuels or boosting natural carbon sinks. At the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, scientists are leading research to transform plants into key drivers of decarbonization, from creating biomass crops for new fuels to enhancing the ability of plants to absorb and store carbon.
