146
6 Renewable Energy
turers for adding a certain biofuel percentage into their products. Such legislation
is among the major market drivers for growth, leaving the technology susceptible
to economic decline. Cellulosic ethanol could provide excellent opportunities for
African nations by contributing to better rural incomes, economic growth, and
employment (Hussain et al. 2017). Some African states could rely on them as
a crucial export and offer low-cost labor. However, the major challenges for the
African context are that biofuels could result in an increase in environmental
risks and food security problems. Furthermore, biofuel is significantly subsidized
and cannot compete within the current market in the absence of government
intervention. In this regard, the viability of cellulosic ethanol remains in doubt.
However, it could be a great source of sustainable energy in the current paradigm
that is characterized by high levels of climate change attributed to human activities.
6.5.5 Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP)
This is geared towards the collection of solar power within outer space. The
potential benefits of this technology are at a higher rate and a more prolonged
period of collection. A significant proportion of incoming solar energy is lost as
it goes through the Earth’s atmosphere (Green and Newman 2017). These systems
are instrumental for converting sunlight into microwaves. It is lucrative for those
who are looking for large-scale solutions to human-induced climate change or the
depletion of fossil fuels.
Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) has been actively pursued by countries like
Russia, China, and Japan. As highlighted by Mankins in his 2014 book “The Case
for Space Solar Power,” orbiting plants would supply abundant free fuel. After being
launched, the only waste stream could be heat that poses severe technical issues
(Mankins 2014). However, the advantage is that it is eco-friendly and requires less
routine maintenance. From these discussions, it is imperative to note that renewable
energy sources will be crucial for sustaining life and ensuring that energy production
is sustainable.
(continued)
Case Study 6.2: Microbial fuel cell (MFC)
This is a bio-electrochemical device that is detrimental for harnessing respiring microbes for the conversion of organic substrates into electrical energy
(see Fig. 6.4). At the core, it transforms chemical energy into electricity
through the process of oxidation-reduction reactions. They have been quite
crucial in wastewater treatment. The application in wastewater treatment is
premised on the background that microbes have an affinity for sewage and the
conditions in such plants are ideal for such bacterial types. Bacteria consume
6 Renewable Energy
turers for adding a certain biofuel percentage into their products. Such legislation
is among the major market drivers for growth, leaving the technology susceptible
to economic decline. Cellulosic ethanol could provide excellent opportunities for
African nations by contributing to better rural incomes, economic growth, and
employment (Hussain et al. 2017). Some African states could rely on them as
a crucial export and offer low-cost labor. However, the major challenges for the
African context are that biofuels could result in an increase in environmental
risks and food security problems. Furthermore, biofuel is significantly subsidized
and cannot compete within the current market in the absence of government
intervention. In this regard, the viability of cellulosic ethanol remains in doubt.
However, it could be a great source of sustainable energy in the current paradigm
that is characterized by high levels of climate change attributed to human activities.
6.5.5 Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP)
This is geared towards the collection of solar power within outer space. The
potential benefits of this technology are at a higher rate and a more prolonged
period of collection. A significant proportion of incoming solar energy is lost as
it goes through the Earth’s atmosphere (Green and Newman 2017). These systems
are instrumental for converting sunlight into microwaves. It is lucrative for those
who are looking for large-scale solutions to human-induced climate change or the
depletion of fossil fuels.
Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) has been actively pursued by countries like
Russia, China, and Japan. As highlighted by Mankins in his 2014 book “The Case
for Space Solar Power,” orbiting plants would supply abundant free fuel. After being
launched, the only waste stream could be heat that poses severe technical issues
(Mankins 2014). However, the advantage is that it is eco-friendly and requires less
routine maintenance. From these discussions, it is imperative to note that renewable
energy sources will be crucial for sustaining life and ensuring that energy production
is sustainable.
(continued)
Case Study 6.2: Microbial fuel cell (MFC)
This is a bio-electrochemical device that is detrimental for harnessing respiring microbes for the conversion of organic substrates into electrical energy
(see Fig. 6.4). At the core, it transforms chemical energy into electricity
through the process of oxidation-reduction reactions. They have been quite
crucial in wastewater treatment. The application in wastewater treatment is
premised on the background that microbes have an affinity for sewage and the
conditions in such plants are ideal for such bacterial types. Bacteria consume