How bioenergy solutions are contributing to the fight against climate change

The life sciences industry is constantly evolving, with new innovations changing the way we combat global issues. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the true value of life sciences was on display and the market grew at a rate of 16.0% in under two years. However, while many scientists and chemists were focused on developing vaccines and medicines, a select number continued with the development and application of biomass energy – or bioenergy.

Rising in prominence, one advantage of bioenergy is that it’s contributing to the fight against climate change. Here at Quanta, sustainability and contributing to a greener planet are at the forefront of everything we do. Here, we take a look at bioenergy and how it can have a substantial impact on climate change.

What is bioenergy?

Bioenergy is a form of renewable energy that’s acquired from living organic materials, referred to as “biomass.” This type of energy has successfully been used to produce transportation fuels, heat, electricity, and other products. Bioenergy solutions are less toxic, often biodegradable and can contribute to the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels. So, how exactly can the implementation of bioenergy solutions contribute to reducing climate change?

It helps reduce waste

Landfills are severely detrimental to the environment. Not only do they contaminate soil, air, and water, but they are also a huge contributor to greenhouse gasses. 

Diverting plant waste to biomass energy instead of allowing it to build up at landfills is helping to reduce wastage. As a result, water and soil are cleaner, and the quantity of greenhouse gases being expelled into the air is drastically reduced.  

It reduces greenhouse gases

Bioenergy emission levels are smaller when compared to fossil fuels. This is because all the CO2 that has been consumed by plants for growth purposes, is going back into the atmosphere when it’s burned for the production of biomass energy. On the other hand, CO2 that’s created by fossil fuels is adding emissions to the atmosphere (instead of replacing it) and it, therefore, increases the greenhouse effect.

Governments and firms have taken a swift interest in the advantage of biomass energy and are using it as a climate-friendly resource to back innovation. Some current initiatives include:

• Sustainable briquettes

Vuma Biofuels is a Kenyan-based firm that uses discarded sugarcane husks (agricultural waste) to produce sustainable bagasse briquettes as an alternative to firewood. 

• Biomass gasification

America’s Charm Industrial uses plant waste (biomass) to create a sustainable source of hydrogen.

• Zero-carbon, low-cost energy

Drax Group is based in the UK and uses compressed wood pellets from sustainably managed forests to generate renewable power for homes and businesses in the United Kingdom. 

• Excelled waste management

STARBAG is a European-based technology group that uses its resources to become a leader in effective waste management. A recent invention is the company’s anaerobic digestion (AD) system, which strategically maximises the conversion of plant matter into bioenergy. 

• An alternative to petrochemicals

POET, a Scottish renewable energy company, is taking huge strides to use biomass as a substitution for petrochemicals. The company has already excelled at producing all-natural 100% plant-based alcohol and other bio-based products.  

>Are you ready to expand your life sciences career?

As the effects of climate change are becoming more apparent, governments and firms across the globe are taking action to help reduce the impact. As a result, the number of bioenergy jobs, life sciences jobs, and green energy jobs is increasing. And that’s where Quanta steps in. Using our expertise and knowledge of renewable energy, our dedication as a life sciences recruitment agency is to connect candidates to roles that will make a positive difference. 

Find your new career and browse our available bioenergy and other life sciences jobs today.