Scientists constantly search for more renewable energy sources to reduce fossil fuel use and combat global warming. In South Korea, researchers have found a new, albeit unusual solution.
To reach its net-zero goal by 2050, the UK needs to replace traditional energy sources, which typically involve burning fossil fuels. Currently, fossil fuels account for 31.1% of the UK’s energy mix, based on data collected over the 12 months up to April 2024.
South Korean scientists discovered that cooked chicken fat could create and store energy due to its carbon content. Carbon can be used in supercapacitors to store energy, such as in LEDs or electric vehicles. Moreover, this type of carbon comes from natural sources, making it a renewable energy form.
The Method
In their experiment, the scientists followed the following steps:
- Melt the chicken fat using a gas flame.
- Add a wick to the melted fat.
- Collect the produced soot.
- Used the soot to create electrodes.
They used this soot to create a supercapacitor, which can provide real-time energy. Supercapacitors are known for their ability to charge and discharge rapidly, making them ideal for devices that require quick bursts of energy. Whilst these steps may appear easy-to-follow, they were completed in lab conditions – it’s not advised to try this at home!
You can read the full academic report of “Strategic Way of Synthesizing Heteroatom-Doped Carbon Nano-onions Using Waste Chicken Fat Oil for Energy Storage Devices” in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
What Do the Results Show?
As we continue to battle the effects of global warming, using renewable energy sources wherever possible becomes increasingly important. While creating your own energy from your leftover chicken dinner isn’t recommended, this discovery represents a significant step in our energy future.
The results emphasise the fact that renewable energy sources are all around us, even in unexpected places. Food waste is just one innovative area for green energy with a promising future. People have long used food waste to produce biogas, which generates electricity and heat.
Unusual Renewable Energy Sources
Other strange ways of harnessing renewable energy include jellyfish. Scientists in Sweden discovered that a particular protein found in these sea creatures can be used to create solar cells, which turn sunlight into energy. This discovery highlights the vast potential of bio-based materials in the renewable energy sector.
Similarly, researchers are exploring the potential of algae, which can be converted into biofuel. Algae grow quickly and can be cultivated in various environments, making them a sustainable energy source. This approach not only provides an alternative to fossil fuels but also helps mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases.
The Future of Renewable Energy
The innovation doesn’t stop with chicken fat and jellyfish. Around the world, scientists are developing new ways to harness renewable energy. For instance, advancements in wind and solar technology, boilers, and heat pumps are making energy more efficient and affordable.
Power Your Home with Renewable Energy!
You can also power your home with renewable energy!
Other green energy sources, such as the sun and heat in the air, are abundant in our natural environment. With the government-backed ECO4 scheme, you can take advantage of these resources.
If you qualify for ECO4, you’ll receive free solar panels, an air source heat pump, and insulation for your property. These home improvements, valued at up to £75,000, not only add value to your home but also contribute significantly to a sustainable future!
Benefits of the ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 scheme is designed to help households reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. Solar panels harness the power of the sun to generate electricity, while air source heat pumps efficiently heat your home using heat from the air. Insulation ensures that your home retains its heat, reducing energy loss. With these home improvements, you an save hundreds off your energy bill.
That’s not all! These improvements can also significantly increase the value of your property.
Use our eligibility checker below to find out in as little as 30 seconds if you qualify for these free measures. Transitioning to renewable energy not only benefits the environment but also provides long-term savings and energy security for your household.
