| Can algae solve our looming energy problems? Some | | | | too, is known for its ability to soak up pollutants |
| people think so, and they are building facilities and | | | | from power plants and sewage treatment plants. |
| processing plants to take advantage of this exciting | | | | In fact, algae is being tested as a carbon absorber at |
| new technology. | | | | power plants. Toxic emission from smokestacks can |
| Its potential for use as an alternative and renewable | | | | be diverted through algae holding ponds. The algae |
| fuel source – biodiesel, specifically – has | | | | “feeds” on the carbon, reducing greenhouse |
| scientists and researchers scanning puddles and ponds | | | | gases. |
| for more and better forms of the slimy green scum. | | | | Algae is completely non-toxic and is highly |
| Currently, there are at least 60,000 known species of | | | | biodegradable. Once the oil is processed from the |
| algae, and more are being discovered every year. | | | | algae, the remaining residue can be processed into |
| Algae is a very fast growing microscopic plant – | | | | ethanol. It is also suitable as a fuel for power plants. |
| one of the fastest growing plants in the world – | | | | It contains no lead or sulfur and is completely |
| and it is almost 50% oil by weight. That precious oil | | | | renewable. |
| could be used to power cars, trucks and planes. | | | | New techniques for growing algae are helping to |
| Algae oil can be used in diesel engines or it can be | | | | make it more space efficient to grow. Costs are |
| further processed to make biodiesel. The process for | | | | coming down and there is hope that algae or |
| extracting oil from algae is the same as is used for | | | | “oilgae” will eventually be competitive with |
| converting other plants like corn into biodiesel. But | | | | fossil fuels. Grown in ponds, bags or tanks, algae can |
| algae yields much more oil per acre than corn. Some | | | | thrive in places inhospitable to other common |
| estimates are as high as 15,000 gallons of oil per acre | | | | biodiesel plants, including urban areas and deserts. |
| for algae, compared to 20 gallons per acre for corn. | | | | Algae oil is a very exciting trend in the field of |
| High yields and minimal fresh water needs make algae | | | | alternative and renewable energy. As our energy |
| a very attractive biodiesel project. | | | | needs increase and the need for clean, renewable |
| Algae production does not use valuable farm or crop | | | | resources grow, tiny algae plants look very big |
| land. It grows almost anywhere – even in | | | | indeed. |
| seawater, saving valuable fresh water supplies. Algae, | | | | |