KJE-2006 Introduction to modern bioenergy - 10 stp

Modernization of the bioenergy sector is expected in order to reach set goals for strong reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Modernization will replace the current use of solid biomass (mostly wood) for traditional cooking and heating, with more advanced bioenergy sources. In particular, bioenergy has a huge potential when coupled with carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and/or in synergies with other forms of renewable energies and infrastructures. Bioenergy is transdisciplinary by nature, with considerable overlap with other efforts to transform the current fossil-driven economy into a greener future. Therefore, a successful modernization of bioenergy will come from a broad knowledge platform.

The course will introduce fundamental concepts for bioenergy such as organic chemistry related to biomass, and microbial metabolism. Thereafter, different classes of bioenergy feedstocks (e.g. starch-, lipid-, lignocellulose- and algae-based and waste) will be covered, followed by an overview of biological conversion technologies including pretreatment methods, enzymatic conversion, fermentation and anaerobic digestion methods, and production of biomethane, hydrogen and biodiesel. A brief overview of carbon capture technologies and their role in relation to bioenergy is included. Moreover, the students will also discuss the role of bioenergy technologies and their advantages and challenges in view of the UN sustainability goals.

Formal prerequisites:

Applicants from Nordic countries: General chemistry equivalent to KJE-1001(10 ECTS)

International applicants: Higher Education Entrance Qualification and certified language requirements in English. It is a requirement that students have prior knowledge of chemistry. Participants must have taken introductory level university courses in general chemistry, equivalent to KJE-1001 (10 ECTS), and achieved pass grades, in these subjects. A list of the requirements for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification in Norway can be found on the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education website - nokut.no

Application code: 9197 (Nordic applicants).

The student will have expanded knowledge and proficiency within relevant topics in chemistry. This means that the student

Knowledge

• Has knowledge about traditional (sugarcane, corn, soy) and modern (waste streams, short-rotation crops) bioresources for production of bioenergy
• Has knowledge about conventional and advanced processing methods for conversion of bioresources into energy and fuels
• Has insights into how solid biomasses (such as wood and sugarcane residues) can be part of the modern energy transition
• Knows the different types of biofuels, and how they can be produced
• Knows the principles behind how bioenergy can be coupled with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
• Has background knowledge about synergies between bioenergy and other renewable energy sources (sun, wind, water) and infrastructures (ex. biomethane/infrastructure for natural gas, biodiesel/pump stations, BioLPG/LPG infrastructure)
• Has insights into how bioenergy is linked to UN sustainable development goals
• Understands how different feedstocks are transformed into fuels for transportation

Skills

• Can describe and separate sustainable feedstocks from conventional feedstocks and explain how bioresources can be processed
• Can distinguish emerging advanced biofuels from first generation biofuels
• Can elaborate on how bioenergy and CCUS represent important drivers towards net zero emissions
• Can explain synergistic relationships between different forms of renewable energy forms
• Has the ability to identify synergistic connections between bioenergy and other forms of renewable energy

General competence

• Can use literature databases to find information on technology within the field of bioenergy production
• Can participate in discussions concerning how modern bioenergy can contribute to the future energy mix, and net zero emission goal climate change
• Can interpret and communicate scientific materials on modern bioenergy