Articles tagged with Bioenergy
Researchers found that biomass fuels derived from grasses like switchgrass and giant miscanthus can reduce carbon emissions by 78-290% compared to petroleum-based fuels. The study suggests that these crops could provide a significant portion of the decarbonization needed to curb global warming.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new product that converts biomass-derived acetone into a cyclobutane, a high-energy-density fuel additive. This process reduces the need for hydrogen treatment and generates carbon dioxide, offering environmental benefits and improving US energy security.
Researchers have proposed new concepts for in situ formed and artificial SEIs to fundamentally modulate the electrochemical characteristics of zinc. The interfacial design enables reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping, resulting in excellent cycling stability with negligible capacity loss.
A new study warns that large-scale bioenergy projects can have a high carbon footprint and excessive land use, making them less viable in the long term. The authors recommend prioritizing cost-effective alternatives like waste-to-energy and carbon capture technologies to reduce reliance on land-intensive bioenergy.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that microorganisms residing on plant leaves are connected to those living in the soil, forming a key part of the bioenergy community. The researchers identified hundreds of leaf microbiome members and compared them to thousands in the soil, using deep sequencing techniques.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that many core microbes on bioenergy plant leaves originate from the soil and remain consistent across seasons. The study suggests that these microbes play a crucial role in the plant's growth and health, and their phyllosphere microbiome can be targeted for cultivation.
A team led by James Umen and Ru Zhang has identified hundreds of 'Deep Green' genes in land plants and green algae with unknown functions. These genes are likely to play important roles in photosynthetic cells and may be exploited to improve bioenergy crops under drought, heat or nutrient stresses.
Researchers aim to create genetically modified poplar trees that can thrive in drought-prone environments and produce feedstocks for bioenergy. The project involves using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tools to identify the ideal tree species for these conditions, with the goal of delivering new genotypes by the end of the project.
Researchers at ORNL discovered a specific gene that facilitates the symbiotic relationship between plants and soil fungi, enabling crops to withstand harsh growing conditions, resist pathogens, and require less fertilizer. The breakthrough could lead to the development of bioenergy and food crops that can thrive on marginal lands.
Researchers have identified specific genetic markers that contribute to larger switchgrass harvests while reducing potential crop weaknesses. This study provides new insights into how plants adapt to different environments and could lead to improved bioenergy crop performance.
A team at UTIA will determine key parameters for efficient logistics systems using innovative approaches, including evaluating alternative preprocessing technologies and modeling techno-economic analyses. The study aims to expedite commercialized cellulosic biofuel production by balancing cost and quality in feedstock logistics.
ReactWell has licensed a novel waste-to-fuel technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to improve energy conversion methods. The technology converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional refining techniques.
A research team developed a simple correlation to predict bubble diameter using nonlinear least square optimization, validating it with experimental data and literature results. The new correlation shows reasonable accuracy in predicting bubble diameter under various operating conditions.
Scientists discovered three new accessions of Siberian Miscanthus that outperform the industry favorite in photosynthetic efficiency at low temperatures. One cultivar showed a 100% increase in photosynthesis, making it a promising candidate for breeding more cold-tolerant hybrids.
A study suggests that bioenergy crop expansion can outweigh gains from climate change mitigation in terms of biodiversity impact. The findings highlight the need for alternative strategies to reduce biodiversity loss under a high-emission scenario.
A large-scale expansion in bioenergy crop production could lead to a significant decline in vertebrate biodiversity, with potential losses of up to 36% of global habitats. The study argues that the benefits of bioenergy mitigation may be outweighed by its negative impacts on biodiversity.
Demand for bioenergy to reduce CO2 emissions could lead to a 10-30 fold increase in green energy-related land use, putting pressure on habitats and species diversity. Safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity is key to mitigating climate change, with reforestation being four times more effective than bioenergy crops.
Researchers build a genetic profile for section Nigri of Aspergillus fungi, allowing for comparisons within and across the subgroup. The study reveals thousands of new genes, species-specific gene clusters, and insights into species diversification and evolution.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a novel type of lignin, C-lignin, that can be refined into various bioproducts with high yields and minimal processing. This breakthrough has the potential to transform agricultural markets by utilizing a previously underutilized plant biomass.
Researchers at University of Michigan urge policymakers to prioritize planting more trees and conserving wild areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By protecting natural ecosystems, up to one-third of current carbon dioxide emissions could be sequestered, keeping carbon out of the atmosphere for decades.
A team of scientists has discovered a critical plant gene that deviates from its anticipated function to regulate lignin production. The gene, which produces an amino acid, was found to enter the nucleus and act as a DNA-binding regulator of gene expression.
A new integrated system, ABECCS, combines algae production with bio-energy and carbon capture to act as a carbon dioxide sink while generating food and electricity. This sustainable technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gases and provide nutritionally valuable products.
Researchers evaluate bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the US, finding that approximately 30% of biomass is suitable for near-term deployment. The study suggests BECCS could provide up to 100-110 megatonnes of negative emissions per year by 2020 and 360-630 megatonnes by 2040.
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center aims to design advanced biofuels, such as isobutanol, that can replace gasoline without engine modification. The center is also developing new methods to extract valuable products from plant biomass, including gamma valerolactone and aromatics.
Several Berkeley Lab scientists will present talks on various topics, including sequence-based approaches to plant microbiomes, new ways to search for dark matter, and developments in advanced bioenergy. The presentations aim to advance our understanding of quantum materials and their potential applications, as well as the scientific p...
A team of researchers has identified a gene involved in the stiffening of cell walls whose suppression increases the release of sugars by up to 60%. This breakthrough could lead to improved feed for ruminants and better biomass for biofuels, with potential global implications.
A new study examines the role of option value in farmers' decisions to plant and harvest bioenergy crops. The research finds that option value is a critical factor in determining the production of bioenergy crops, with uncertainty about future prices leading to delayed planting and reduced yields.
SimPath has licensed a novel cloning system that enables flexible DNA assembly and increases production efficiency by 50% in synthetic biology. The system, developed at ORNL, will aid in bioengineering new medicines and fuels with reduced operating costs.
A gene atlas for the ice plant will aid in finding ways to make bioenergy feedstocks more resilient to salinity and drought. The project aims to understand how environmental stress controls the expression of CAM photosynthesis, a water-conserving pathway that helps plants survive in arid climates.
Researchers have created an open-source database to facilitate bioenergy research, confirming Miscanthus as the top US bioenergy crop. The database, BETYdb, contains over 40,000 records of yield data for various biomass crops, revealing that Miscanthus is 2.4 times more productive than switchgrass under different environmental conditions.
Scientists have uncovered the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that allow certain plants to conserve water and thrive in semi-arid climates. By studying the unique metabolic processes of CAM plants, researchers aim to transfer these traits into bioenergy and food crops.
Scientists at ORNL discovered a chemical reaction that enhances the breakdown of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass. The THF-water cosolvent phase separates on the faces of crystalline cellulose fibers, allowing certain enzymes to interact and increase hydrolysis.
New research from North Carolina State University and USGS reveals that meeting bioenergy demands involves trade-offs regarding wildlife habitats. The specific mix of biomass sources used can shape ecosystems, especially in forests with high biodiversity.
Researchers are using multidisciplinary approaches to genetically improve disease resistance, flooding tolerance, and cell wall composition in sorghum. This work aims to maximize the usefulness of sorghum as a bioenergy crop while minimizing input requirements.
The USDA has announced $21 million available for bioeconomy research and development, focusing on sustainable bioenergy and biobased products. This funding supports regional systems in bioenergy production, education, and training for the next generation of scientists.
A UNT research team has found a potential new pathway for creating lignin in plants, enabling the synthesis of high-value bioproducts. This breakthrough could significantly improve the economics of the bioenergy industry by increasing lignin production in plants that don't naturally possess it.
Researchers have developed smaller, cheaper microbial fuel cells that can efficiently produce bioenergy from urine. The new design increases power output and reduces costs compared to traditional models.
The three DOE-funded research centers are making progress on developing advanced biofuels. The 500th invention disclosure highlights the centers' collaborative approach to overcoming biofuel production challenges.
Researchers found that CRP biomass yield can reach up to 6.4 metric tons per hectare, but economic analyses show that costs of fertilizer application may outweigh benefits. Implementing a system where land owners harvest one-third of their acreage per year could reduce government costs by $31 million annually.
The study found that eastern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Atlantic regions are suitable for growing bioenergy grasses like Miscanthus while minimizing water quantity and quality effects. Bioenergy crops can mitigate nitrogen leaching across the US by displacing other cropland or grassland.
Researchers discovered a new type of enzyme assembly in C. thermocellum that allows the microorganism more freedom to explore for additional biomass, providing redundancy in its cellulolytic system. The findings have important implications for industry and could lead to cheaper production of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels.
A study from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory-based BioEnergy Science Center finds unconventional bacteria could help boost cellulosic biofuel production efficiency. Researchers analyzed six microorganisms to solubilize switchgrass, a potential bioenergy feedstock.
Researchers from Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered how two bacterial enzymes, LigE and LigF, work together as a team to break down lignin. This finding could lead to the development of new biofuels processes that convert plant biomass into ethanol and other fuels.
The U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has selected 27 new projects for the 2016 Community Science Program, which aims to advance systems and ecosystems biology. The projects focus on sustainable bioenergy production, plant microbiomes, and terrestrial biogeochemistry.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory design a multifunctional landscape that balances economic feasibility, bioenergy, and environmental health. By analyzing subareas of a cornfield, they found that planting bioenergy crops like willows or switchgrass can provide biomass feedstock while limiting nitrogen fertilizer runoff.
The University of Illinois will lead a $3.1 million project to develop all-terrain automated ground rovers for high-throughput field phenotyping. These rovers will measure crop growth using 3-D reconstruction and various sensors, enabling faster breeding of energy sorghum and other bioenergy crops.
Researchers explore using vegetable crops in bioenergy feedstock double-cropping systems, finding comparable yields and higher farm gate values than traditional pumpkin production. The study suggests potential for contributing to both food and fuel production goals.
The new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current bioenergy landscape, technology, production financing systems, and markets. It highlights opportunities for enhancing energy security and mitigating climate change through advanced biomass conversion technologies.
A study found that grassland fields in southern Wisconsin supported over three times as many bird species as cornfields, including 10 imperiled species. The research suggests that diverse bioenergy crop fields could benefit birds more than less diverse fields, making grasslands an acceptable tradeoff for biomass production.
The University of Tennessee Professor Barry Bruce has received funding to harness the power of photosynthesis for cheap and efficient energy. The new photobioreactors will increase algae yields 50-fold, allowing for scalable testing and characterization.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed regulatory definitions and a list of 49 low-risk biofuel plants to prevent invasive species. The 'white list' offers producers clearly identified options, reducing conflicts between renewable fuel production and environmental concerns.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have successfully engineered microbes to convert switchgrass into fuel without pre-treatment. This breakthrough allows for the direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks into transportation fuels, marking a significant step towards affordable and sustainable energy production.
A new study published in PNAS found that plant sugars move rapidly down the stem to trigger bud growth, supporting the idea that sugar is the key signaling molecule. The research has implications for agriculture and bioenergy crop production.
New research suggests the UK can produce up to 44% of its energy needs from biomass sources like household waste and agricultural residues. The study highlights the potential for biomass resources to contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy targets.
A new study highlights the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and bioenergy in reaching ambitious climate targets. Without policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels will remain the major energy source by 2100, with resulting increases in emissions.
The study found that Miscanthus x giganteus yields are more than twice those of switchgrass in US field trials. The average annual yield of Miscanthus was 10.5 tons per acre, compared to 4.5 tons per acre for switchgrass. This suggests that Miscanthus could be a viable alternative for sustainable energy production in the US.
JBEI researchers have developed a one-pot process that combines pretreatment and saccharification into a single vat, eliminating the need for washing biomass and significantly simplifying downstream sugar recovery. The system achieved high glucose and xylose yields with minimal waste generation.
Researchers developed an integrated global energy system to assess the cost-effectiveness of BECCS for meeting stringent temperature targets. They found that implementing BECCS on a large scale can reduce temperature increases to as low as 1.5°C by 2150.
Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers have made a breakthrough in biofuel production by developing an enzyme-free ionic liquid pre-treatment method. This technique reduces the cost of producing advanced biofuels and decreases water consumption, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
As the global population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2040, providing enough food and water while meeting rising demands for energy will be a daunting task. Innovations in plant biotechnology, synthetic biology, and information technology are needed to address these challenges.