Bioenergy represents a major source of renewable energy. Its production involves converting biological materials (e.g., corn, willow, and microalgae) into thermal energy, electricity, or fuels for transportation. Bioenergy can take the form of solid biofuels (i.e., biomass that can be burned to create energy from heat), liquid biofuels (e.g., bioethanol and biodiesel), or gases (biogas or biomethane).
Depending on the feedstock used for energy production, bioenergy can be classified into one of the following four categories (Jeswani et al., 2020, Mat Aron et al., 2020):
- First-generation bioenergy uses food crops such as corn, wheat, sugar beet, sugar cane, palm oil, and sunflower oil as feedstocks.
- Second-generation bioenergy uses energy crops (e.g., switchgrass, poplar, willow, and Jatropha) and waste (e.g., corn stover, straw, food waste, and waste wood) as feedstocks.
- Third-generation bioenergy uses microalgae as feedstocks.
- Fourth-generation bioenergy uses genetically modified microalgae as feedstocks.
The development of the bioenergy sector presents many professional opportunities, including:
1. Biochemical engineer
Biochemical engineers apply specialized knowledge of biology and chemistry along with cutting-edge technology to biological materials, systems, and processes in order to find new bioenergy pathways or to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of bioenergy production.
For example, biochemical engineers and scientists are making efforts to enhance the sustainability and commercial viability of microalgae bioenergy production, which is still limited due to a high demand for nutrients and water in the production process (Farooq, 2021). One solution is to recycle water after the harvesting of microalgae and use the recycled water for microalgae cultivation. This can save up to 65%–85% of the water required for large-scale microalgae cultivation (Farooq et al.,2015). However, cultivating microalgae in recycled water presents its own challenges such as the buildup of organic matter, which can inhibit microalgae growth (Farooq, 2021). Biochemical engineers seek to overcome these challenges.
2. Biogas technicians
A biogas plant is a facility that provides an oxygen-free environment where microorganisms transform biomass into biogas.
Biogas technicians operate equipment (e.g., biomass digester, gasholder, etc.) in biogas plants, perform tests and maintenance work, and provide technical support in the event of a failure.
A more comprehensive way of looking at job opportunities is by examining each stage in the value chain of bioenergy as defined by the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
This value chain typically includes the feedstock stage, the conversion stage, the end-use stage, and the transport of feedstocks and biofuels stage.
The feedstock stage involves the production of biomass feedstocks. This stage provides job opportunities in areas such as farming, agricultural engineering, harvesting equipment mechanics, mechanical engineering, aquaculture, genetic engineering, and scientific research.
The conversion stage involves converting biomass into products that are useful for energy generation. The conversion is performed using thermochemical or biochemical methods. This stage provides career opportunities in areas such as microbiology, industrial engineering, chemical engineering, and plant operations.
The end-use stage has demand for station workers, regulation compliance workers, construction workers, standards developers, and consultants.
The transport of feedstocks and biofuels stage requires skilled workers such as truck drivers, truck filling station workers, pipeline operators, and train station operators.
In conclusion, the bioenergy sector presents an exciting and growing field with many job opportunities. From research and development to production and management, there are a variety of roles available for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. With the world’s increasing need for renewable energy sources, the demand for skilled professionals in bioenergy will continue to grow, making it an attractive field for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
References:
Farooq, W., Suh, W. I., Park, M. S., & Yang, J.-W. (2015). Water use and its recycling in microalgae cultivation for biofuel application. Bioresource Technology, 184, 73–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biort ech.2014.10.140
Farooq, W. (2021). Sustainable production of microalgae biomass for biofuel and chemicals through recycling of water and nutrient within the biorefinery context: A review. GCB Bioenergy, 13(6), 914–940. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12822
Jeswani HK, Chilvers A, Azapagic A. (2020). Environmental sustainability of biofuels: a review. Proc. R. Soc. A 476:20200351. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2020.0351
Mat Aron, N. S., Khoo, K. S., Chew, K. W., Show, P. L., Chen, W., & Nguyen, T. H. P. (2020). Sustainability of the four generations of biofuels – A review. International Journal of Energy Research, 44(12), 9266–9282. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.5557
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