Revolutionizing Waste Management: The Potential of Cellulosic Energy Technology

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In summary, the conversation discusses the issue of waste management and the potential solution of cellulosic energy technology to turn municipal and industrial waste into crude oil and other byproducts. The technology has been perfected, but has not been widely implemented due to potential economic and political barriers. However, some individuals are determined to work on implementing it on a community level. There is also a discussion about the feasibility and viability of the technology, with some disagreement on its economic potential.
  • #1
Jug
One of the world's most critical problems is that of waste management, industrial and municipal. Being concerned with innovative energy resources, I consider a cellulosic energy technology to be the most promising, the turning of municipal and industrial waste into crude oil and various byproducts. Perhaps there are others here for whom waste management is a concern. Any suggestions most welcomed.
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by Jug
One of the world's most critical problems is that of waste management, industrial and municipal. Being concerned with innovative energy resources, I consider a cellulosic energy technology to be the most promising, the turning of municipal and industrial waste into crude oil and various byproducts. Perhaps there are others here for whom waste management is a concern. Any suggestions most welcomed.

I agree, Cellulosic Energy Crops are pretty neat. Is this being done anywhere? How many years off are we?
 
  • #3
>>How many years off are we??>>

Greg, Hello! Not a matter of time but of determination. The technology itself already perfected some 20 years ago (UK - U of Manchester) and curtailed by the Crown. Good reasons, no doubt, but a reasoning for which I've lost patience. The current destruction by fire in California, which is an environmental issue, has determined me to pull the plug.

UMIST successfully engineered the technology and infrastructure of an anaerobic digestor under high pressure that outputs a high-energy crude oil comparable to North Sea oil drillings. The pilot plant produced 50,000 gallons/day and various byproducts, one of which is sulphur, removed in the process. A succeeding industrial size plant of 200,000 gallons/day was then perfected, but never reached the market. The raw material is municipal and industrial wastes, agricultural wastes and even raw sewage.

No way will we turn the Crown around or the US, which undoubtedly endorsed the cop-out, too much at stake as relevant to world stability. However, the technology and its formulae are known and I see no reason why it could not be developed at the community level on a community scale - at least in the US. We're working on it...
 
  • #4
Originally posted by Jug
>>How many years off are we??>>

Greg, Hello! Not a matter of time but of determination.
Not a matter of time or determination, but a matter of MONEY (and maybe thermodynamics). It certainly isn't economically viable and probably also uses more energy than it saves.
 
  • #5


Originally posted by russ_watters
Not a matter of time or determination, but a matter of MONEY (and maybe thermodynamics). It certainly isn't economically viable and probably also uses more energy than it saves.

Yes, it is also a matter of MONEY, which equates with PRODUCTIVITY. That's what makes it all go 'round. But you are greatly mistaken as to viability of the technology. I know of no anaerobic/aerobic energy technology that is not viable...and environment friendly.
 

1. What is cellulosic energy technology?

Cellulosic energy technology is a form of bioenergy that converts non-food plant materials, such as agricultural waste and forestry residues, into usable energy sources. It involves breaking down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plants, into simple sugars that can be fermented and converted into fuels such as ethanol and biogas.

2. How does cellulosic energy technology revolutionize waste management?

Cellulosic energy technology offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for waste management. It allows for the conversion of waste materials, such as crop residues and wood waste, into valuable energy sources, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

3. What are the benefits of using cellulosic energy technology?

There are numerous benefits to using cellulosic energy technology. It helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, provides a renewable energy source, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It also offers a solution for managing waste materials, creates job opportunities in the bioenergy industry, and supports rural economic development.

4. What are the challenges associated with cellulosic energy technology?

One of the main challenges with cellulosic energy technology is the high cost of production compared to traditional fuel sources. The technology is still in its early stages and requires further research and development to become more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, there is limited infrastructure for the production and distribution of cellulosic energy, which can hinder its widespread adoption.

5. How can we encourage the use of cellulosic energy technology?

To encourage the use of cellulosic energy technology, there needs to be support from governments and policies that incentivize its production and use. This can include tax breaks, subsidies, and mandates for incorporating biofuels into traditional fuel sources. Investment in research and development is also crucial for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the technology. Education and awareness about the benefits of cellulosic energy technology can also help to increase its adoption.

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