renewable energy

1. 1.
2.
AU5022 RENEWABLE RESOURCES OF ENERGY

2. WHAT IS A BIOFUEL?
Biofuel is a type of fuel that is derived from biomass, which refers to organic matter such as
plants, wood, and agricultural and municipal waste. Biofuels are considered a renewable and
sustainable source of energy since they can be replenished and are carbon-neutral, meaning they
do not produce net greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Service Us
First-generation biofuels: These are biofuels that are produced from food
crops such as sugarcane, corn, and vegetable oils. Examples include ethanol,
biodiesel, and vegetable oil. While they are widely used, there is some
criticism about their sustainability since they can compete with food crops for
land and resources.
Second-generation biofuels: These are biofuels that are produced from non-
food crops or waste materials such as wood chips, straw, and agricultural
waste. They are often made through processes such as gasification, pyrolysis,
and fermentation. Examples include cellulosic ethanol, biogas, and bio-jet
fuel.
Third-generation biofuels: These are biofuels that are produced from algae
and other aquatic plants. Algae-based biofuels are particularly attractive
since they can produce large amounts of biomass per unit area, can be grown
in saltwater, and can use waste carbon dioxide as a feedstock.
Fourth-generation biofuels: These are biofuels that are produced from
genetically engineered crops or microorganisms. They are still in the research
and development stage and aim to optimize the production of biofuels with
minimal environmental impact.
TYPES OF BIOFUEL

4. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF
USING BIOFUELS INSTEAD OF COAL
AND OIL
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Biofuels emit less carbon dioxide
than fossil fuels when burned. While biofuels do release some carbon
dioxide when they are burned, the plants that are used to produce
them absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during
photosynthesis, which helps to offset these emissions. Additionally,
some biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, can have a significantly lower
carbon footprint than conventional gasoline and diesel.
Improved air quality: Biofuels produce fewer harmful emissions than
fossil fuels, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate
matter. These emissions contribute to poor air quality, which can
cause respiratory problems and other health issues. By using biofuels,
we can help to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

5. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels: Biofuels provide an
alternative to fossil fuels, which are a finite resource that
contributes to global warming and air pollution. By using
biofuels instead of fossil fuels, we can reduce our dependence on
these finite resources and help to create a more sustainable
energy system.
Potential for carbon sequestration: Some biofuels, such as those
produced from algae, have the potential to capture and store
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process, known as
carbon sequestration, can help to mitigate the effects of climate
change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere.
Overall, the environmental benefits of biofuels are significant
and can help to address some of the most pressing
environmental challenges of our time, including climate change,
air pollution, and dependence on finite resources.

6. FOOD
PRODUCTION
The company's production process involves breeding black soldier
flies in large quantities and using their larvae to produce protein-
rich food products for animal feed and human consumption.
A Bavaria-based startup company called Hermetia Baruth that
specializes in food production using black soldier fly larvae.
Sustainability Benefits: Hermetia Baruth's production process has several sustainability benefits. The
black soldier flies are highly efficient at converting organic waste into protein, with a feed conversion
rate of up to 2:1. This means that for every kilogram of organic waste fed to the flies, they can produce
up to two kilograms of protein-rich larvae. Additionally, the process reduces waste and greenhouse gas
emissions associated with traditional animal farming methods.

7. Breeding Black Soldier Flies: Hermetia Baruth breeds black soldier flies in a controlled
environment, providing them with optimal conditions for growth and reproduction. The flies are
fed a diet of organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, which they convert into protein-
rich larvae.
STEPS INVOLVED:
Harvesting Larvae: Once the larvae reach the desired size and density, they are harvested and
processed into a range of food products. The larvae are highly nutritious, containing up to 42%
protein and a range of essential amino acids.
Processing into Food Products: The harvested larvae can be processed into a range of food
products, such as protein bars, snacks, and pasta. The company also produces animal feed
products for livestock, aquaculture, and pet food markets.

8. MEAT
SUBSTITUTES
Environmental sustainability: Producing meat substitutes
requires fewer resources, such as land, water, and energy,
than traditional meat production. This makes them a more
sustainable option and can help to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and other environmental impacts
associated with meat production.
Meat substitutes, also known as meat alternatives or plant-based meat,
are products that are designed to mimic the taste, texture, and
appearance of meat while using plant-based ingredients.
These products are becoming increasingly popular among consumers
who are concerned about the environmental impact of meat
production, as well as those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
While meat substitutes have traditionally been aimed at vegetarians and
vegans, they are increasingly being marketed to meat eaters as a way to
reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

9. Soy-based products: Soy-based meat substitutes have been available for
many years and are a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans.
Products include soy burgers, soy hot dogs, and soy crumbles that can
be used in place of ground beef.
Wheat-based products: Wheat-based meat substitutes, also known as
seitan, are made from wheat gluten and have a chewy, meat-like
texture. Seitan can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries,
stews, and sandwiches.
Pea protein products: Pea protein is a popular ingredient in many meat
substitutes due to its high protein content and neutral taste. Products
include pea protein burgers, sausages, and chicken substitutes.
Nut-based products: Nut-based meat substitutes, such as those made
from almonds or cashews, are a relatively new addition to the market
but are gaining popularity due to their unique flavors and textures.
EXAMPLES OF THE TYPES OF MEAT SUBSTITUTES

10. WOOD AS
BIOFUEL
Did you know that wood contains sugar? Cellulose, an organic compound in
wood, is made up of long chains of sugar. These sugars can be extracted and
converted into biofuels and biochemicals
There are a variety of ways that cellulosic biomass can be converted into
biofuels. It focuses on a conversion process that uses heat, bacteria, and
chemical reactions to convert the wood from poplar trees into biofuels and
bio-based chemicals. The backbone of this process is releasing the sugars
from the cellulosic biomass. Once the sugar is available it can be converted
into a variety of biofuels and bio-based chemicals.

13. CASE STUDY
Research by:
Nick Wierckx, Microbiologiat, Helmholtz Research Centre Julich
BIO PLASTICS
Remnants from sugar production (Sugar beet) - Primary source
Fungus named Ustilago madis (Cornsmut) - Booster
Both primary source and booster are fed into a fermenter to
produce itaconic acid
Theoretically 60-70% efficiency can be obtained i.e 60-70% of
sugar beet waste into bio plastics
ADVANTAGES:
No need for petroleum based plastics like, polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP), nylon, polyester (PS),
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and epoxy.
Boosts regional economy
DISADVANTAGES:
Growing sugar beet uses pesticides and fertilizers
Cannot be used as animal fodder or manure anymore
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14. SUGAR BEET
CULTIVATION
SUGAR
EXTRACTION
FERMENTATION
POLYMERIZATION
PURIFICATION
BIOPLASTIC
PRODUCTION
1
Sugar beets are cultivated in
agricultural fields. They are
grown specifically for their high
sugar content, which serves as the
raw material for bioplastic
production.
After the fermentation process, the
mixture undergoes a series of
purification steps. This typically
includes separating the PHA from
the fermentation broth, washing
and drying the PHA, and removing
any impurities or residual materials.
The beet juice is subjected to fermentation,
where microorganisms such as bacteria or
yeast are added to the solution. These
microorganisms consume the sugar in the
beet juice and produce a biopolymer known
as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as a
byproduct. PHA is a type of polyester that
can be used to make bioplastics.
Once the sugar beets have reached maturity,
they are harvested and transported to a
processing facility. At the facility, the sugar
beets are washed and sliced into thin strips,
known as cossettes. These cossettes are then
soaked in hot water, which extracts the sugar
from the beets. The resulting sugar-rich
solution is known as beet juice.
The purified PHA is then melted and
polymerized, meaning it is heated and
processed to form long polymer chains. This
step gives the bioplastic its desired physical
properties and allows it to be shaped and
molded into various forms, such as films,
fibers, or containers.
The polymerized PHA can be further
processed and combined with other
additives, such as plasticizers or reinforcing
agents, to enhance its performance and
functionality. The bioplastic is then ready
for fabrication into final products through
processes like extrusion, injection molding,
or blow molding.
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15. CASE STUDY
Research by:
Frederic Bourgaud, Agricultural Scientist, Plant Advanced
Technologies, Nancy
PLANT MILKING
Chemical warfare systems produced by plants to
repel aggressors when they moved from sea to
land million years ago is used as plant milks.
These plant milks can be used in plant-based
cosmetics, medicines and biological pesticides.
Morus alba, mulberry tree is used for preparing traditional chinese
medicine(TCM).
Trees were aeroponically grown in large-scale devices (100 m2)
and are submitted to nitrogen deprivation to increase the content
in active molecules (prenylated flavonoids).
The Plant Milking technology applied to Morus alba L. allows to
produce an extract enriched in prenylated compounds (18-fold
increase when compared to commercial root extract).
M. alba extract presents efficient properties to regulate the skin
matrisome, which is critical during skin aging.
The benefits have been especially confirmed on wrinkle reduction,
in a clinical study that involved aged women
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PLANT MILK IN ROOTS

16. CASE STUDY
Research by: Pasi Vainikka,Solar Foods
FOOD FROM THIN AIR
A Finnish startup called Solar Foods has developed a
technology that enables them to produce protein powder
using carbon dioxide, water, and renewable electricity.
Solar Foods' protein powder, Solein has numerous potential
applications, including as a food ingredient for plant-based
meats, as a protein supplement for athletes and bodybuilders,
and as a food source in disaster relief situations.
First, a commercial factory in 2023 and then scaling-up. The first
factory, called Factory 01, is already under construction. The
company has also applied for a novel food authorisation to introduce
Solein to the food market in the EU and internationally.

17. EXTRACTING
CARBON DIOXIDE
PRODUCING
HYDROGEN
CREATING
MICROBIAL BIOMASS
HARVESTING AND
PROCESSING
Carbon dioxide is
extracted from the air
using a device called an
air extractor. The
extracted carbon
dioxide is then purified
to remove any
impurities.
Renewable electricity is
used to power an
electrolysis process that
splits water into
hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen is then
used as a key
component in the
production of the
microbial biomass.
The hydrogen produced in
step 2 is combined with the
carbon dioxide extracted in
step 1 in a fermentation
reactor. Inside the reactor, a
special type of bacteria called
"heterotrophs" are fed with
hydrogen and carbon dioxide,
which they use as their energy
source to grow and
reproduce. The bacteria
consume the hydrogen and
carbon dioxide to create a
microbial biomass.
Once the microbial
biomass has reached the
desired density, it is
harvested and processed
into a protein powder.
The processing involves
drying and milling the
biomass to create a fine
powder that can be used
as a food ingredient.
PRODUCTION OF SOLEIN

18. Heidelberg has been separating its kitchen and garden waste from other
types of waste since as long ago as 1987. Today, biowaste from the cities of
Heidelberg and Mannheim regions is processed at Heidelberg’s Wieblingen
composting center, which can handle up to 35,000 tonnes of biowaste a
year.
The enzymes used in the process are produced using genetically modified
microorganisms, which have been optimized to produce large quantities of
specific enzymes. Biocyclet's process has several advantages over
traditional biofuel production methods, including lower costs, reduced
greenhouse gas emissions, and increased energy efficiency.
Overall, Biocyclet's innovative use of enzymes to convert organic waste
into biofuels represents a promising area of research and innovation that
could help to address the pressing challenges of waste management and
climate change.
CASE STUDY
COMPOSTING
Research by: Biocyclet, Heidelberg

19. ORGANIC
WASTE
COLLECTION
ENZYMATIC
HYDROLYSIS
PRE-
TREATMENT
SEPARATION
AND
PURIFICATION
FERMENTATION
COMPOSTING
Biocyclet collects
organic waste,
such as food
waste and yard
waste, from
households,
restaurants, and
other sources.
The organic waste
is then pre-treated
to break it down
into smaller
particles and
increase its
surface area,
which makes it
easier for enzymes
to break down the
material.
Enzymes are added
to the pre-treated
waste to break
down the complex
carbohydrates into
simple sugars. The
enzymes used in the
process are specific
to the types of
waste being
processed.
The simple sugars
are then fermented
to produce
biofuels, such as
bioethanol and
biomethane.
The biofuels are
separated and
purified to remove
any impurities and
ensure that they
meet quality
standards.

20. Biomass remains the limited resource: Biomass refers to organic matter, such as plants or
waste materials, that can be converted into energy. While biomass is a renewable resource,
it is not infinite, and its availability is limited.
It is impossible to discover and produce substitutes for all petrochemical products:
Petrochemicals are chemicals that are derived from petroleum, such as plastics, fertilizers,
and solvents.
While governments and businesses have an important role to play in promoting recycling
and the use of reusable products, consumers also have a critical role to play. By making a
conscious effort to recycle and use reusable products, consumers can help to reduce the
amount of waste that ends up in landfills and conserve resources. Additionally, by choosing
to buy products made from recycled materials or that are designed to be reused, consumers
can help to create a market for these products and drive further innovation in this area.
CONCLUSION