Unit 2.3

• Energy production is a major issue affecting all aspects of modern life. Increasing amounts of energy are needed to meet the demands of a growing population however many of our non renewable resources (fossil fuels eg coal, oil) are being rapidly depleated.
• Carbon neutrality is achieved with combustible fuel sources by replanting trees and sugar cane, etc., to match those being burnt. This is so that the CO2 absorbed for photosynthesis would equal or exceed that generated by their combustion.
• CO2 a greenhouse gas which contributes to global warming.
• SO2 contributes to acid rain
• Biomass is plant or animal material used for energy production. It is fairly carbon neutral and is a renewable source of energy. The amount of CO2 released when plants are burnt is equivalent to the amount removed via photosynthesis.
• Solar power is a renewable source of energy generating electricity from the sun. Sunlight is converted directly into electricity via photovoltaic cells. However, it is unreliable due to weather and is expensive to install, convert and collect.
• Nuclear power is non-renewable that generates electricity. It is produced by nuclear fission. It releases very little CO2 however radioactive emissions and nuclear waste are dangerous bi-products.
• The aim of green chemistry is to make chemicals and products that we need with as little impact on the environment as possible.
• We need to use renewable materials such as plant based compounds
• We need to use as little energy as possible and obtain energy via renewable resources, such as solar power, wind power etc.
• We must develop better catalysts and biocatalysts, to reduce the high energy and pressure values needed.
• We must use biodegradable products to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
• We must avoid using toxic material when possible to reduce the possibility of toxic products being released into the environment.
• Use methods which have high atom economy so that little waste is produced.
• Palm oil is extremely versatile and is used in many products, from chocolate and donuts to fuel (biodiesel). It is a very efficient crop and produces a lot of oil on little land. However, it is a major driver of deforestation and habitat loss.
• Hydrogen is a possible fuel in the future however it is not produced naturally on earth and therefore must be prepared at a cost of energy.
• Carbo neutrality is a term used for when the total CO2 produced by a chemical process does not lead to an overall increase in atmospheric CO2 and is instead balanced by the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.