Algae Energy : That Other Biofuel

(Special Report) - The biofuel industry, pushed by the Bush Administration as an environmentally friendly alternative has come under a lot of c-r-i-t-i-c-i-s-m lately.

But these criticisms have mostly centered on biofuels that use corn, soybeans, or sugar cane as sources. What about other sources of biofuels?

Using tires, agricultural waste, or switchgrass has been widely discussed, but a new source is entering the conversation: algae.


How efficient is algae biofuel?
Algae energy is low cost/high yield. Algae produces 30 times more energy per acre than other sources of biofuels like soybeans [1]. The reason? Algae has a simple cellular structure, a lipid-rich composition and a rapid reproduction rate. Also, algae can grow in salt water and other harsh conditions, while corn or soybean ethanol requires fertile land and fresh water (100 times the amount of fresh water algae needs).

Algae, like corn and soybeans, is photosynthetic, meaning it absorbs carbon dioxide. And because algae can survive such harsh conditions, some have proposed putting the stuff in smokestacks to absorb released CO2. One other place algae could be grown is in sewage ponds; in fact, it’s already being done in New Zealand.

Another added bonus: if you replaced all of the diesel in the United States with soy biodiesel, it would take half the land mass of the United States. In contrast, if algae fuel replaced all the petroleum used in the United States, it would only require an area about the size of Maryland. [2]


What’s the catch?
Yes, this is definitely not a catch free technology. There are two strong criticisms of “oilgae” (as it is sometimes called):

Although biofuels from algae grown in smokestacks reduce emissions at the factory, the CO2 is just emitted when it is burned in an automobile. There is still a net benefit, as carbon dioxide is only emitted once, instead of twice.

The second problem is potentially more serious. Ideally, algae biodiesel would be used as a transition technology; the problem is, what’s the incentive to develop solar or wind technology when current power plants can be cleaner (but not completely clean) for far less?

Conclusion
Oilgae is an incredibly efficient biodiesel. Nonetheless, there are serious drawbacks, and it would be harmful to overestimate the greenness of this up and coming technology.

[1] http://tinyurl.com/2wnxxa (Washington Post)
[2] http://tinyurl.com/2ldnpn (Wikipedia)

First Biodiesel Jet Successfully Flies

Czechoslovakia (TGW) – The Czech Republic, in coordination with Biodiesel Solutions Inc. tested the first flight fueled solely by cooking oil.

The first actual flight was a test flight that lasted 195 seconds yesterday. The first full flight lasted 37 minutes, and attained a height of 17,000 feet.

"She flew and she flew just fine," said physicist Rudi Wiedemann, president and CEO of Biodiesel Solutions, Inc., whose company provided the fuel for the historic October flight: fresh canola oil refined into biodiesel. "We wanted to show that it was doable by just going out and doing it."

Revolutions per minute in the engine were at 98%. "We didn't get full power, but we got an acceptable amount" Doug Rodante, president of Green Flight International, said. "It was a non-issue in climb performance and time to altitude."

The problem with using biodiesels or biofuels as fuel for airplanes is that at higher altitudes, the fuel can freeze. "Jet fuel and biofuel mix is something that is easily done. I don't believe 100 percent biofuel is the answer," Rodante said. "We can implement a 20 percent mix with no modifications in other aircraft."

"As little as 20 percent biodiesel in petroleum diesel fuel will reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent," Wiedemann said.

Via :: Scientific American

New Algae-to-Biodiesel Facility to be Built

Midwest (TGW) – Green Star Products Inc. (GSPI) announced this week that it has signed a contract to build a 100-acre algae to biodiesel facility.

The plant will use the CO2 emitted from the plant to feed the algae, which reduces the overall emissions of the facility.

Algae oil will be produced at the plant, and other existing facilities will convert that algae oil to biodiesel.

Biotech Research, Inc. (BTR) has signed the contract with GSPI, and preparation for construction will begin in March 2008. BTR is planning to build several 1000-acre algae facilities.

Algae is much more efficient of a biofuel than what is used currently (corn and sugarcane). Algae absorbs CO2, and produces 100 times more oil per acre than other biodiesel sources such as soy.

Via :: Green Progress :: GSPI Press Release

Largest American School Bus Fleet to Convert to Biodiesel

Chicago (ToGW) - The nation’s largest independent school bus company, the Cook Illinois Corporation based in Chicago, is planning to switch its entire fleet to biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a cleaner burning diesel fuel made from renewable sources, including vegetable oil. Bus-riding children have been shown to have been more exposed to exhaust fumes.

The bus fleet is the largest in Illinois, and the largest independent fleet in the U.S.

In addition, company officials will kick off a new Clean Air Club for kids and a new website that teaches kids about the importance of reducing air pollution.

Experts called this a good first step.

Via :: ENN