Bioenergy is a form of renewable energy derived from organic materials, known as biomass, which includes plant and animal matter, agricultural and forestry residues, and organic waste. It can be converted into various forms of energy, such as heat, electricity, and biofuels, through processes like combustion, anaerobic digestion, and fermentation. Bioenergy is considered carbon-neutral because the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during the energy production process is roughly equivalent to the CO2 absorbed by the biomass during its growth. This makes it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Bioenergy can be utilized in diverse applications, from small-scale domestic heating to large-scale power generation and transportation fuels like biodiesel and ethanol. However, its production and use must be managed sustainably to avoid negative impacts on food security, land use, and biodiversity.
Yeast is often known for its ability to ferment carbohydrates into products such as bread and beer, typically requiring a dark environment. Exposure to light…
Microalgae—which are major contributors to global photosynthesis and primary productivity—serve as promising chassis cells in synthetic biology. In a study published in Plant Communications, researchers…
A recent study delves into the polarizing public discourse surrounding a controversial energy technology. Supporters argue that it’s essential for fighting climate change, while detractors…
A new article published in the journal GCB Bioenergy explores why bamboo could be a sustainable, eco-friendly renewable energy source that could serve as an…
How bacteria use carbon dioxide and electricity to produce useful chemical In the field of microbial electrosynthesis, microbes utilize CO2 and electricity to generate substances…
Plants are often thought of as sources of food, oxygen, and decoration, but not as a source of electricity. However, scientists have discovered that by…
Climate change is putting the availability of biomass fuels and technologies – a vital alternative to fossil fuels – at risk, according to new research….
Algae-Powered Computing Scientists used a widespread species of blue-green algae to power a microprocessor continuously for a year — and counting — using nothing but…
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new way to train microbes to make a readily usable biofuel. A team of biologists…
Scientists ID Sterol Essential for Oil Accumulation in Plants Scientists seeking to unravel the details of how plants produce and accumulate oil have identified a…
Negative Emissions, Positive Economy The long-term goals of the Paris Agreement — keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius and ideally 1.5 C in…
University considers proposal to convert cattle manure to methane and use it in combination with geothermal energy to heat the campus all winter. Cornell University…
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have unlocked new possibilities for the future development of sustainable, clean bioenergy. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows…
Brazilian researchers used genetic engineering to develop a low-cost platform for the production of enzymes that break down sugarcane trash and bagasse for conversion into…
Biomass fuels derived from various types of grass could significantly mitigate global warming by reducing carbon, according to a long-term field study by researchers at…
Research on energy production from biomass usually focuses on the amount of energy generated. But it is also important to consider how much energy goes…
Researchers have developed “bionic liquids” from lignin and hemicellulose, two by-products of biofuel production from biorefineries, paving the way closed loop biofuel refineries. While the…
A joint team of scientists have identified and determined how a tropical rainforest microbe is able to endure high concentrations of an ionic liquid used…