Transforming plants into allies in the fight against climate change

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.

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NREL's Advanced Biofuels Research (Text Version)

Our world is really big—7.8 billion people—and they are always on the move. Providing these people with enough energy in the form of transportation fuels is an enormous challenge. Today's fuels come mostly from fossil sources—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—but the fuels for tomorrow will come increasingly from renewable sources like biomass, the largest sustainable source of carbon on the planet—enough in the United States alone to provide up to 30% of our transportation fuels needs annually.

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Biofuels 101: A Guide for Young Minds

Biofuels have become an essential part of the world's efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. This article will introduce you to the basics of biofuels, their benefits, and how they're produced. We'll also provide a handy bullet point summary and some ideas for how you can get involved in supporting biofuels and protecting the environment.

What are biofuels?

Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from organic materials like plants or animal waste. They can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. Some common examples of biofuels include ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas.

How are biofuels made?

There are different methods for producing biofuels, depending on the source material. Ethanol is usually made by fermenting plant sugars, while biodiesel is made from oils and fats. Biogas is produced when organic waste, like animal manure or food scraps, breaks down in the absence of oxygen. Each process involves converting organic matter into a usable fuel that can be burned for energy.

The benefits of biofuels

They're renewable: Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, biofuels can be produced relatively quickly from renewable resources like plants and waste.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Biofuels generally release fewer greenhouse gasses than fossil fuels, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.

Support for agriculture: Many biofuels are made from agricultural products, which can help support farmers and rural communities.

Energy security: Producing biofuels domestically can reduce a country's dependence on imported oil and increase its energy security

Challenges and drawbacks

While biofuels have many benefits, they also come with challenges. Some biofuels can compete with food crops for land and resources, potentially driving up food prices. Additionally, producing some biofuels requires significant amounts of water and energy, which can offset their environmental benefits. These challenges highlight the need for continued research and innovation in the biofuels sector.

How can you get involved?

There are several ways you can experience, experiment, or help the environment when it comes to biofuels:

Learn more about biofuels and educate others on their benefits and challenges.

Choose products made from sustainable sources, like recycled cooking oil or non-food crops.

Encourage your school or local community to consider using biofuels in their vehicles or heating systems.

Join or support organizations that promote research and development in renewable energy, including biofuels.

In conclusion, biofuels have the potential to play a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. By understanding the basics, benefits, and challenges of biofuels, you can make informed decisions and take action to support their development and use in our society.

Bioenergy 101: Introducing Educators and Students to National Laboratory Bioenergy Research Case Studies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is excited to introduce BRIDGES, a brand-new case study-based education curriculum that helps educators encourage students to embrace new ways of thinking while building confidence and critical thinking skills. The case studies can be taught in diverse settings, including high schools, technical and community colleges, and universities, and are designed to introduce students to exciting careers in the bioenergy industry.

3 Shocking Bioenergy Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

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?

Algae for Energy Experiment

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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How Plastic Affects Our Oceans & What We Can Do About It

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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