Let's talk about pond scum
April 2nd 2008 04:17
I blogged back in November about the possibility of using algae as a biofuel source. Well, the first facility for conversion of algae into biofuel went online today in Texas. There were a number of announcements on the web.
Here are some of the stated benefits of using algae:
There were some roadblocks, but they seem to have been overcome:
Also, we know that the use of corn for use in biofuels causes shortages in other crops and drives up food (produce, livestock, etc.) prices. The use of algae doesn't cause this problem:
In fact, algae seems like the perfect resource in helping us to lessen our dependence on foreign oil:
Is the government starting to catch on? Maybe.
Needless to say, I'm thrilled. I'd like to know more about how clean-burning algae-based biofuels are. But in terms of the potential for affordable and replenishable fuel without the deleterious economic side-effects, it seems like algae could be a godsend. The articles state that actual commercial production is still a ways off, but as long as I know we have a viable solution in our sights, I'm willing to wait patiently. If this pans out, a lot of the world's problems could be solved.
Here are some of the stated benefits of using algae:
Microalgae have garnered considerable attention, since acre-by-acre microalgae can produce 30-100 times the oil yield of soybeans on marginal land and in brackish water. The biomass left-over from oil-pressing can either be fed to cattle as a protein supplement, or fermented into ethanol.
There were some roadblocks, but they seem to have been overcome:
The big problem has been figuring out how to collect and press the algae, and in the case of open ponds, to prevent contamination by invasive species. PetroSun seems to have figured it out
Also, we know that the use of corn for use in biofuels causes shortages in other crops and drives up food (produce, livestock, etc.) prices. The use of algae doesn't cause this problem:
it doesn’t impact on the growing of human fuel - food stocks in grains are low and shortages threatening because of farmland switching from food to biofuel production. Algae promises a good compromise to stop a Downward Spiral.
In fact, algae seems like the perfect resource in helping us to lessen our dependence on foreign oil:
Algae are among the fastest growing plants in the world, and about 50 percent of their weight is oil. That lipid oil can be used to make biodiesel for cars, trucks, and airplanes.
Is the government starting to catch on? Maybe.
And after more than a decade hiatus, the U.S. government is back in the algae game. The 2007 Energy Security and Independence Act includes language promoting the use of algae for biofuels. From the Pentagon to Minnesota to New Zealand, both governments and private companies are exploring the use of algae to produce fuel.
Needless to say, I'm thrilled. I'd like to know more about how clean-burning algae-based biofuels are. But in terms of the potential for affordable and replenishable fuel without the deleterious economic side-effects, it seems like algae could be a godsend. The articles state that actual commercial production is still a ways off, but as long as I know we have a viable solution in our sights, I'm willing to wait patiently. If this pans out, a lot of the world's problems could be solved.
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Comment by S.L. Bradish
A very dear friend of mine is involved in the prospect of using industrial hemp for fuel and other things.
Just like on the XFiles, huh? "The answer is out there!"
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate