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Document Type
Oral Presentation
Department
Environmental Science and Policy
Faculty Mentor
Terry Shehata, PhD
Keywords
microbial fuel, electricity, alternative energy, Maine, grant writing
Abstract
As supplies of fossil fuels begin to deplete and concerns about continued contributions of additional carbon dioxide to the atmosphere intensify, there is an increasing need for investment in renewable infrastructure. The burning of fossil fuels proves dangerous to human health. Reported cases linked to fossil fuels include but are not limited to asthma, heart attacks, and strokes. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Maine households use fuel oil as their primary energy source, a larger share than in any other state. Petroleum provides the largest share of Maine’s energy and accounts for half of the energy consumed in the state (EIA, 2019). With the longest coastline in the country, I am proposing a grant to take advantage of our natural amenities by investing in microbial fuel cell technology on the coast of Maine. A microbial fuel cell can harvest electricity from the organic matter stored in marine sediments. This sort of technology would have the ability to cover the energy needs from homes and businesses in the local vicinity. Microbial fuel cell renewable energy will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and break the stranglehold fossil fuel companies have over Mainer's wallets.
Emma Cost Presentation Transcript
Open Access?
1
Microbial Fuel Cell Technology in Maine
As supplies of fossil fuels begin to deplete and concerns about continued contributions of additional carbon dioxide to the atmosphere intensify, there is an increasing need for investment in renewable infrastructure. The burning of fossil fuels proves dangerous to human health. Reported cases linked to fossil fuels include but are not limited to asthma, heart attacks, and strokes. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Maine households use fuel oil as their primary energy source, a larger share than in any other state. Petroleum provides the largest share of Maine’s energy and accounts for half of the energy consumed in the state (EIA, 2019). With the longest coastline in the country, I am proposing a grant to take advantage of our natural amenities by investing in microbial fuel cell technology on the coast of Maine. A microbial fuel cell can harvest electricity from the organic matter stored in marine sediments. This sort of technology would have the ability to cover the energy needs from homes and businesses in the local vicinity. Microbial fuel cell renewable energy will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and break the stranglehold fossil fuel companies have over Mainer's wallets.
