Lesson 1: Why Alternative Fuels from Biomass?
Overview
Not everyone likes the idea of using biomass for energy. From an industrial perspective, it competes with the coal and petroleum industries. There is a great deal of skepticism regarding the production of ethanol or bio-oil and how much energy is used to make them. Many people don't understand its value or how it can be incorporated into the current energy portfolio. This lesson will explain why using biomass as an energy source is smart and can alleviate the increasing demand for energy. You will also read some excerpts from books that take a particular slant on bioenergy use. And you'll also see that some sources have a hidden agenda that may not be the best strategy for incorporating biofuels.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- explain why biofuels are a necessary part of our energy portfolio.
Lesson 1 Road Map
This lesson will take us one week to complete. Please refer to the Course Syllabus for specific time frames and assignment due dates.
Questions?
If there is anything in the lesson materials that you would like to comment on or don't quite understand, please post your thoughts and/or questions to our Throughout the Course Questions and Comments discussion forum. The discussion forum will be checked regularly. While you are there, feel free to post responses to your classmates if you are able to help. Regular office hours will be held to provide help for EGEE 439 students.