11:375:101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Renewable Energy, Developing Country, Photosynthesis
2 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
Exceeding replenishment rate produces a net gain of emissions of greenhouse gases. Biofuel crops can degrade soil and biodiversity and increase emissions. Uses organic material from recently living organisms. A major source of energy in developing nations. Can be cleaner or dirtier than fossil depending on how it"s used. Crop grown specifically for biomass energy production. Moderate costs vs clear cutting can cause soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of wildlife habitat. No net co2 increase if harvested burned and replanted sustainably vs can open ecosystems to invasive species. Plantations can help restore degraded lands vs increases co2 emissions if harvested and burned unsustainably. Ethanol produces a biofuel from carbohydrate rich crops. Ethanol is widely added to us gasoline to reduce emissions. Any vehicle will run well on a 10% ethanol mix. Flexible fuel vehicles run on 85% ethanol (but very few gas stations offer this fuel) Researchers are trying to produce ethanol from crops.
