Resource

Algae Fuel Research

Description:
This video resource highlights the role of algal fuel research that first started in the 1970s and algae biofuel. The technology manager at the U.S. Department of Energy, Joyce Yang discusses why algae biofuel is important to the DOE, private corporations and beneficial to U.S. citizens. She encourages further research and commends the research already being done at the College of William & Mary. Using algae has dual or triple benefits, delivering energy security and energy independence, as well as beneficial byproducts. She briefly discusses energy intensity-what it takes to convert algae into fuel and the goal of pairing up the best science with the best engineering.

Related Topics:
1. Energy is a physical quantity that follows precise natural laws.
2. Physical processes on Earth are the result of energy flow through the Earth system.
5. Energy decisions are influenced by economic, political, environmental, and social factors.
6. The amount of energy used by human society depends on many factors.
7. The quality of life of individuals and societies is affected by energy choices.
4. Various sources of energy are used to power human activities.

Associated Grade Levels:
7-89-1011-12

Sub-Resources

Algae Fuel Research
Associated Grade Levels:
7-89-1011-12

Related Sub-Topics

1.1 Energy is a quantity that is transferred from system to system.

1.4 Energy available to do useful work decreases as it is transferred from system to system.

1.6 Chemical and nuclear reactions involve transfer and transformation of energy.

2.3 Earth’s weather and climate are mostly driven by energy from the Sun.

2.4 Water plays a major role in the storage and transfer of energy in the Earth system.

4.2 Humans use of energy is subject to limits and constraints.

4.3 Fossil and biofuels are organic matter that contain energy captured from sunlight.

4.4 Humans transport energy from place to place.

4.5 Humans generate electricity in multiple ways.

4.6 Humans intentionally store energy for later use in a number of different ways.

4.7 Different sources of energy and different ways energy is transformed, transported, and stored.

5.1 Decisions concerning the use of energy resources are made at many levels.

5.2 Energy infrastructure has inertia.

5.3 Energy decisions can be made using a systems-based approach.

5.4 Energy decisions are influenced by economic factors.

5.5 Energy decisions are influenced by political factors.

5.6 Energy decisions are influenced by environmental factors.

5.7 Energy decisions are influenced by social factors.

6.1 Conservation of energy has two very different meanings.

6.8 Amount of energy used can be calculated and monitored.

7.1 Economic security is impacted by energy choices.

7.2 National security is impacted by energy choices.