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

6.8 Amount of energy used can be calculated and monitored.

4.5 Humans generate electricity in multiple ways.

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

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

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

5.4 Energy decisions are influenced by economic factors.

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

5.7 Energy decisions are influenced by social factors.

7.1 Economic security is impacted by energy choices.

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

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

5.5 Energy decisions are influenced by political factors.

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

5.2 Energy infrastructure has inertia.

6.1 Conservation of energy has two very different meanings.

7.2 National security is impacted by energy choices.

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

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

4.4 Humans transport energy from place to place.

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

5.6 Energy decisions are influenced by environmental factors.

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