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A Promising Biofuels Feedstock: Algae

 

Research has shown that algae can be utilized as an energy source. Algae can be used to produce biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, methane, and hydrogen. Studies have shown that algae has the capability of producing more than 30 times the oil per acre than corn and soybeans crops can produce. In addition, biodiesel that uses algae as a feedstock doesn’t contain sulfur, making it non-toxic and highly biodegradable. 

 

Algae: The Alternative-Energy Fuel

 

Using algae as a feedstock for biofuels has many advantages over other biomass sources, experts believe, because of its ability to be produced quickly.  Through commerical production, it is believed that algae will surpass other biomass feedstocks in the near future.

Algae is a highly efficient converter of solar energy into fuel for cars, homes, and power generators.  Needing only sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to grow; some strains of algae are over 50% oil and produce a high yield per acre.  The average yearly yield per acre is capable of producing nearly 5,000 gallons of biodiesel.  In comparison, an acre of soybeans can typically only produce 70 gallons, with corn capable of producing only 420 gallons of ethanol per acre.

In addition to being used as a feedstock for biofuels, algae has other benefits for the environment.  Algae thrives on the harmful nitrogen from wastewater and carbon dioxide emissions that are generated from power plants.  Because of this, by growing algae in close proximity to these plants additional income streams can be generated, as well as minimizing the environmental effects of the plant.

With the tremendous potential yields that algae offers, the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory expects that up to 15,000 gallons of biodiesel can be created from a single saltwater pond.  The outlook for algae-based biofuels is great.