Thursday, July 31, 2025
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Although the term biotechnology may sound like a modern or even futuristic scientific discipline based on advanced technology, it has been around for thousands of years. Everyday foods such as cheese or yogurt are fermented thanks to the metabolic processes of microorganisms, and the intervention of humans in the production of these items means that they are traditional form of biotechnology. Like many others, this scientific discipline has come on leaps and bounds and is used in a diverse range of sectors, from agriculture and medicine to energy. But what exactly is biotechnology and how has it come to represent a steadfast commitment to the future of energy?
Defining biotechnology: beyond science
Biotechnology can be defined as the application of technology to biological systems and living organisms to create or modify products or processes for different uses. It is a discipline that combines biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science to open up a range of possible solutions to some of our current challenges.
Biotechnology and energy: an unexpected connection
Although the relationship between biotechnology and the energy sector may not seem obvious at first glance, it runs deep and is playing an increasingly important role as this scientific discipline offers tools that can transform the way we produce, store, and consume energy. From optimizing biomass production to creating clean fuels, biotechnology is a fundamental pillar for achieving a less polluting, more efficient and sustainable energy mix. Innovation in this field not only aims to reduce our carbon footprint but also generate new and more accessible renewable energy sources.
Applications of biotechnology in the energy sector
Biotechnology has a varied and constantly evolving range of applications in the energy sector, including:
Biofuels: the sustainable alternative to fossil fuels
Biofuels are one of the best-known applications of biotechnology and are produced from organic matter through a variety of processes. There are many different types of biofuels, such as ethanol, biodiesel, or biogas. They reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels.
Bioenergy: renewable energy from biomass
This is the energy obtained by burning biomass or converting it into biofuels or biogas. In this case, biotechnology plays a key role in optimizing conversion processes and improving the efficiency of biomass as an energy source. Bioenergy is a renewable energy source that, if sustainably managed, is carbon neutral.
Bioremediation: cleaning up the environment with biotechnology
Can technology be used to get rid of pollution? Yes! And this is all down to bioremediation, a process that uses microorganisms to degrade or transform environmental pollutants into less toxic or harmless substances. An ecological wastewater treatment solution.
Green hydrogen production: a new energy carrier
Thanks to its high energy density and the fact that water is the only by-product of combustion, green hydrogen is set to be the fuel of the future. Biotechnology-based methods such as biomass fermentation or the action of algae and photosynthetic bacteria are a cleaner alternative to producing hydrogen from natural gas.
Improving energy crops: optimizing biomass production
If we need plants to produce biomass, biotechnology can improve their genetics to obtain higher crop yields, increase pest resistance, and obtain an optimal chemical composition for energy conversion. This maximizes the efficiency of biofuel and bioenergy production.
Outlooks for biotechnology: what does the future of energy hold?
Can you imagine microorganisms capable of producing fuels directly from sunlight or CO2? Well, this may be possible in just a few years' time as the future of energy moves forward in step with biotechnology. Research is expected to continue making progress in several areas, including the development of new enzymes for more efficient energy conversion processes or biological energy storage systems.
According to the International Energy Agency, bioenergy accounted for 10% of the total renewable energy supply in 2023 and this figure is expected to continue growing, especially in the energy and transportation sector.
In short, biotechnology is a strategic ally in the search for cleaner and more efficient energy for our future planet.
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