Articles tagged with "bioenergy"
World’s first exascale supercomputer speeds plant research with new AI
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a novel computational method called Distributed Cross-Channel Hierarchical Aggregation (D-CHAG) that significantly enhances the processing of complex hyperspectral plant imaging data. This approach doubles the analysis speed while reducing memory usage by 75%, overcoming a major bottleneck in handling the vast data generated by hyperspectral imaging systems, which capture hundreds of light wavelengths to reveal detailed information about plant health and stress. By distributing workloads across multiple GPUs and employing a staged, hierarchical aggregation of spectral data, D-CHAG enables faster AI training on larger models without sacrificing image resolution or biological detail. The breakthrough was demonstrated using plant data from ORNL’s Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory and weather datasets on Frontier, the world’s first exascale supercomputer. This advancement allows AI models to measure plant traits such as photosynthetic activity directly from images, replacing slow manual methods and accelerating crop innovation. The technology supports DOE initiatives like the Genesis Mission and OPAL, which
energyAIsupercomputingplant-researchhyperspectral-imagingbioenergycomputational-methodsMicrosoft buys 3.6M metric tons of carbon removal from bioenergy plant
Microsoft has committed to purchasing 3.6 million carbon removal credits from a biofuels plant in Louisiana owned by C2X, which is expected to begin operations in 2029. The facility will convert forestry waste into over 500,000 metric tons of methanol, a versatile fuel for ships and planes as well as a chemical manufacturing feedstock. Importantly, the plant will capture and store approximately 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, likely through underground sequestration. This purchase is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to offset its carbon emissions, especially as its expanding data center operations challenge its goal to become carbon negative by 2030. The company has made several similar carbon removal investments recently, including deals with Vaulted Deep, CO280, and Chestnut Carbon, underscoring its commitment to addressing its environmental impact through innovative carbon capture and removal solutions.
energycarbon-removalbioenergymethanol-productioncarbon-capturesustainable-energybiofuelsA Phyto Finish: Could Seaweed Be Mined for Critical Minerals? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses research by scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks investigating the potential of seaweed to accumulate rare earth elements (REEs) near Bokan Mountain, Alaska—a former uranium mining site known for its rich REE deposits. REEs are critical minerals used in everyday electronics and defense technologies, but traditional mining is costly and environmentally challenging. The team collected seaweed and water samples from Moira Bay to study which seaweed species absorb these minerals most effectively and to understand the physiological and geochemical mechanisms behind this accumulation. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency, the researchers aim to develop biomimetic or bioinspired methods for extracting REEs from seawater, potentially enabling future cultivation of mineral-rich seaweed as a sustainable alternative to conventional mining. This approach, called ocean phytomining, could help meet growing demand for critical minerals while reducing environmental impact. The study highlights the surprising biodiversity of marine life
energymaterialsrare-earth-elementsbiominingseaweedsustainable-miningbioenergyHigher Value, Lower Volume: The Future Of Canadian Forestry - CleanTechnica
Canada’s forests, covering nearly 350 million hectares and representing about 9% of the world’s forested land, are vital to the nation’s identity, economy, and climate efforts. However, recent trends show these forests are no longer reliable carbon sinks; instead, they have become net carbon sources in many years due to wildfires, insect infestations, and current harvesting methods. Canada harvests about 130 million cubic meters of wood annually, but natural disturbances like wildfires (averaging 2 million hectares burned yearly, with spikes such as 15 million hectares in 2023) and insect damage significantly reduce forest availability. Without adaptive forest management, harvest levels risk exceeding ecosystem capacities, threatening biodiversity and carbon storage. From a climate perspective, harvesting mature forests releases stored carbon over decades, with only a fraction locked in long-lived products like mass timber. The rest quickly returns to the atmosphere, especially when wood is used for short-lived products or bioenergy. The article highlights the problematic practice of
energysustainable-forestrycarbon-emissionsclimate-changemass-timberforest-managementbioenergyIndia's Renewable Energy Is Progressing, But The World Isn't Paying Attention (Part 2) - CleanTechnica
India is making significant strides in its renewable energy transition by developing a diverse portfolio that extends beyond solar power to include wind, bioenergy, and green hydrogen technologies. Central to this effort is the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched to build a green hydrogen ecosystem with incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing and pilot projects targeting decarbonization in challenging sectors such as steel and transportation. A flagship initiative under this mission is the Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub near Vishakhapatnam, a gigawatt-scale facility developed by NTPC Green Energy. Alongside hydrogen, India is advancing bioenergy through the National Bioenergy Programme, which supports projects like the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme that utilize agricultural waste for clean energy. Wind energy also plays a crucial role, with government support via the Viability Gap Funding scheme encouraging offshore wind projects, including a 500 MW tender off Gujarat’s coast. Significant capacity additions are occurring in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, backed by major investments from companies such as Tata Power
energyrenewable-energygreen-hydrogenwind-energybioenergysolar-powerclean-energy-projectsFrom Sawmill To Module: How Canada Can Scale A Low-Carbon Timber Value Chain - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica outlines Canada’s significant opportunity to develop a low-carbon mass timber value chain by integrating the entire process from forests to finished housing modules. Rather than simply expanding sawmill capacity, the strategy involves linking sawmills, energy systems, adhesives, logistics, and modular factories into a cohesive industrial ecosystem. According to the Transition Accelerator’s roadmap, this integrated approach could grow the Canadian mass timber market to $1.2 billion by 2030 and $2.4 billion by 2035, potentially capturing up to 25% of the global market. Achieving these targets requires addressing several critical bottlenecks in feedstock supply, energy-intensive drying processes, petrochemical-based adhesives, and carbon-heavy logistics. Key challenges include the mismatch between sawmill outputs and the specific lumber dimensions and moisture content needed for engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), leading to supply shortages and higher costs. Drying lumber to the required moisture level is energy-intensive, often relying on
energymaterialssustainable-energytimber-industrybioenergymodular-constructionlow-carbon-materialsSyncraft Builds New Climate-Positive Power Plant In Wallern, Austria - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Syncraft’s new climate-positive power plant under construction in Wallern, Austria, set to be commissioned in March 2026. This innovative facility will convert regional forest residues into baseload renewable electricity, high-temperature exhaust heat, and biochar for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The plant’s design reflects Syncraft’s climate-positive philosophy by gasifying biomass to produce clean energy while simultaneously locking carbon into biochar for long-term storage, thus actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. The waste heat generated (up to 390 °C) will be repurposed on-site, such as for sludge drying, enhancing overall system efficiency. The Wallern plant is part of a broader decentralized renewable energy network, complementing a nearby biomethane facility operated by Wels Strom. This synergy exemplifies Austria’s leadership in the clean-energy transition by integrating local resource use, carbon removal, and community benefits through combined thermal and electrical outputs. Wallern also joins a growing fleet of over 30
energyrenewable-energybioenergycarbon-removalclean-electricityclimate-positive-power-plantbiomass-gasificationVioleta Sanchez i Nogue’s Journey to Bioprocess Development at NREL - CleanTechnica
Violeta Sanchez i Nogue’s journey to becoming a senior researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) began with a childhood fascination with chemistry sparked by a junior chemistry lab kit. Growing up near Barcelona, she nurtured her passion through hands-on experiences, including an engineering boot camp that exposed her to university-level environmental research. She pursued chemical engineering at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, followed by a Ph.D. in engineering at Lund University in Sweden, where she engaged with NREL’s pioneering work in bioprocess development. Joining NREL in 2015 as a postdoctoral researcher, Sanchez i Nogue contributed to ambitious multidisciplinary projects focused on biofuel production and biotechnology, collaborating with universities, national labs, and industry partners. Her work involves leveraging the natural strengths of microorganisms in bioreactors and spans metabolic engineering, separations, catalysis, and analysis. She values the collaborative environment at NREL, appreciating the daily learning opportunities and the synergy created by diverse expertise. Beyond laboratory
energybioenergybioprocess-developmentchemical-engineeringrenewable-energyNRELbiotechnologyHigh-Performance Computing Advanced More Than 425 Energy Research Projects in 2024 - CleanTechnica
In 2024, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) completed the full deployment of Kestrel, a high-performance computing (HPC) system under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Kestrel delivers approximately 56 petaflops of computing power, significantly accelerating energy research by enabling advanced simulations and analyses through artificial intelligence and machine learning. This supercomputer supported over 425 energy innovation projects across 13 funding areas, facilitating breakthroughs in energy research, materials science, and forecasting. Key projects highlighted in NREL’s Advanced Computing Annual Report for FY 2024 include the use of Questaal, a suite of electronic structure software that solves quantum physics equations with high fidelity to address complex chemical and solid-state system questions. Another notable project, funded by the Bioenergy Technologies Office, used Kestrel to model lignocellulosic biopolymer assemblies in Populus wood, helping researchers understand the molecular interactions responsible for biomass resilience. These
energyhigh-performance-computingrenewable-energymaterials-sciencebioenergymolecular-modelingartificial-intelligenceAlien sea slug turns into living solar panel by stealing algae powers
The lettuce sea slug (Elysia crispata) exhibits a remarkable biological phenomenon known as kleptoplasty, where it steals chloroplasts—the photosynthetic organelles—from algae and incorporates them into its own body. Instead of digesting these chloroplasts, the slug stores them in specialized sacs called kleptosomes within its intestinal system. These kleptosomes protect the chloroplasts, allowing them to remain functional and produce proteins, sometimes even incorporating proteins made by the slug itself. This enables the slug to harness solar energy directly, effectively turning it into a living solar panel and allowing it to survive for extended periods without food. Researchers also observed that the slug’s coloration, ranging from green to orange, correlates with its health and diet. Green slugs have abundant fresh chloroplasts, while orange coloration may indicate chloroplast digestion during starvation or a natural limit to chloroplast longevity. Beyond energy production, these stolen organelles might serve additional roles such as camouflage or predator deterrence. The study
energysolar-energybioenergyphotosynthesiskleptoplastymarine-biologybiomimicrySolar Panels Give Edge to Tomatoes Grown Underneath - CleanTechnica
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted experiments to determine if tomatoes grown under specially designed light filters would perform better than those grown under full sunlight. These filters, based on organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology, selectively transmit only the light spectrum most beneficial to the plants while potentially converting unused light into electricity. In a controlled study, tomato plants grown under these purplish BioMatched panels grew faster and larger than those exposed to the full solar spectrum, demonstrating that tailoring light exposure to a plant’s physiological needs can enhance growth. This project, part of the multi-disciplinary “No Photon Left Behind” initiative, builds on earlier successful experiments with algae, where BioMatched filters also increased growth rates despite reducing overall light exposure. The algae research showed higher efficiency in converting photons to biomass, encouraging researchers to test similar approaches with crops. While the current OPV filters used in the experiments do not generate electricity, the ultimate aim is to integrate BioMatched materials into
energysolar-panelsphotovoltaic-cellsorganic-semiconductorsplant-growthbioenergyrenewable-energyDairy digesters slash methane emissions by 80% on California farm
A recent University of California, Riverside study demonstrates that sealed dairy digesters can reduce methane emissions from manure by approximately 80% on a California dairy farm. Methane, a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 20 years, is a significant contributor to global warming, with California dairy farms being major sources due to manure management. The study involved detailed atmospheric methane measurements before and after installing a digester at a Tulare County family-run dairy, revealing substantial emission reductions after addressing initial system leaks through collaboration between scientists, the system operator, and the farmer. Dairy digesters work by covering manure pits with gas-tight membranes that trap methane produced during anaerobic decomposition. The captured methane is then cleaned and repurposed as fuel, often powering trucks that would otherwise use diesel. While highly effective, digesters have limitations: they can leak if not properly maintained, do not reduce other pollutants like ammonia or fine particles, and require significant investment and regulatory permits, making them less feasible
energymethane-emissionsdairy-digestersrenewable-energygreenhouse-gas-reductionbioenergysustainable-agriculture