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Biofuels are combustible fuels created from biomass; in other words, fuels created from recently living plant matter as opposed to ancient plant matter in hydrocarbons. The term biofuel is usually used to reference liquid fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel that are used as replacements for transportation fuels like petroleum, diesel and jet fuel. Biofuels can also include solid fuels like wood pellets and biogas or syngas – however in this summary we will focus on liquid fuels.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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).

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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?

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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.