Bioenergy is energy derived from organic matter, such as plants, animals, and their byproducts. Bioenergy plays a pivotal role in the transition from traditional non-renewable energy into sustainable energy, as it takes up three-quarters of the world’s renewable energy use. In order to create this energy, biofuel must be created from biomass. Three distinct processes are the key to renewable energy: Pyrolysis, Biochar, and Algae fuel. They offer us energy and also provide environmental and agricultural benefits.
Pyrolysis:
Pyrolysis is a thermal process with the potential to effectively utilize biomass to create energy. After the thermal conversion, the main side product is the pyrolysis oil, syngas, and biochar. Pyrolysis oil is also known as biocrude and is where most of the energy lies, making it a viable alternative to petroleum oil. Pyrolysis oil is a renewable resource, giving it the upper hand compared to petroleum. Because it’s formed from biomass, pyrolysis oil doesn’t have a finite amount and can be grown as well as harvested. However, petroleum is finite and challenging to extract, as it is commonly found deep underground, leading to potential oil spills and environmental damage. Though both are a form of crude oil, pyrolysis oil is derived from organic mass, making it a more compelling and eco-friendly alternative to conventional crude oil.
Biochar:
When organic matter naturally degrades over time, it releases a great deal of greenhouse gasses, such as methane and carbon dioxide. This can happen with much of the side products formed from Pyrolysis. However, the conversion to biochar will prevent the emission of these greenhouse gasses, as once it’s turned into biochar, it will become a carbon sequester. Adding the char to the soil will enhance soil fertility, along with being a natural carbon sequester, eventually forming natural carbon sinks.
Algae fuel:
Algae fuel is space efficient and acts as a great way to reduce carbon emotions. Taking up less space than traditional crops, this product also absorbs much faster than the average food crop. Being a double edge sword to reduce the carbon footprint while becoming a future biofuel. The oil that algae produces is a great source of energy. As it is extracted, the algae is heated and pressurized, forming 10 to 100 times more fuel than any other crop that produces biofuel. The only drawback is that it’s not cost-efficient, meaning it is unavailable in most developing countries.
Bioenergy offers us a promising alternative to fossil fuels, preventing climate change and promoting sustainable resource management. Utilizing the ability of carbon sequesters and organic-based fuel with continued research could further address environmental challenges and unlock the full potential of bioenergy.
References
Turgeon, Andrew, and Elizabeth Morse. “Biomass Energy.” Edited by Jeannie Evers, Education, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/biomass-energy/. Accessed 14 June 2023.
Spears, Stefanie. “What Is Biochar?” Regeneration International, 15 Oct. 2018, regenerationinternational.org/2018/05/16/what-is-biochar/.
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