Converting Food Waste to Energy

The video discusses the afternoon energy slump and how food waste, like apple cores, can be converted into energy. It highlights the problems of food waste in landfills, which produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The video explores the challenges of collecting and processing food waste, initially using sewage treatment systems to produce methane. It then transitions to the potential of converting food waste into ethanol, a more efficient fuel. The video also mentions biorefineries that use syngas to produce ethanol and the ongoing efforts to apply this technology to food waste. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of developing renewable fuels from untapped energy resources like food waste.

What is a major environmental issue caused by food waste in landfills?

• It releases oxygen.

• It takes up space.

• It produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

• It attracts pests.

What is one of the main challenges in processing food waste?

• Finding enough food waste.

• Converting food waste into water.

• Transporting food waste to landfills.

• Getting people to separate food waste from other trash.

How do anaerobic digesters help in converting food waste into energy?

• They use microorganisms to produce methane.

• They dissolve the waste in water.

• They freeze the waste for later use.

• They burn the waste to produce heat.

Why is methane not considered an ideal fuel?

• It requires compression, making it less efficient.

• It is not renewable.

• It is too expensive to produce.

• It is difficult to store.

What is a more versatile energy source that companies are exploring from food waste?

• Ethanol

• Hydrogen

• Wind energy

• Solar power

What is the process called that converts waste into syngas?

• Photosynthesis

• Fermentation

• Gasification

• Combustion

What is syngas primarily composed of?

• Carbon monoxide and hydrogen

• Ethanol and water

• Carbon dioxide and nitrogen

• Methane and oxygen

Which type of waste is used in the Edmonton biorefinery to produce ethanol?

• Recyclable plastics

• Municipal solid waste

• Organic compost

• Metal scraps

What role do catalysts play in the production of ethanol from syngas?

• They change the color of the gas.

• They slow down the reaction.

• They cool down the process.

• They help spur the reactions along.

What is the main goal of converting food waste into renewable fuels?

• To reduce food production.

• To utilize untapped energy resources.

• To create more jobs.

• To increase landfill space.