Biofuel feedstock: How efficiently can plants capture solar energy?

May 18th, 2007 |
Image for FaceBook

 
Share this post:
Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Reddit | Email
 
This post can be linked to directly with the following short URL:


 
The video player code can be copied in different sizes:
144p, 240p, 360p, 480p, 540p, Other


 
This video file can be linked to by copying the following URL:


 
Right/Ctrl-click to download the video file.
 
Subscribe:
Connected Social Media - iTunes | Spotify | Google | Stitcher | TuneIn | Twitter | RSS Feed | Email
 

Plants are not as efficient as you might think in capturing solar energy. Current photovoltaic panels can capture more energy per square meter — quite a bit more in fact — than biomass crops that are being suggested as feedstock for ethanol. This is not a reason to dismiss biomass crops, but with the ever growing competition for land, it should certainly be taken into account when evaluating renewable energy options. Alfred Spormann, a professor in micro-biology at Stanford, explains the conversion process and discusses potential for improvement using genetic engineering.

Tags: , , , ,
 
Posted in: Clean Tech, Connected Social Media, SmartEnergy