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A Promising Feedstock: Algae

 

Algae are the simplest and oldest organism on Earth.  They are unicellular and grow through the process of photosynthesis like all plants.  Their simple structure allows them to convert solar energy to chemical energy efficiently.  As Earth's first form of life, it holds the potential to become the next major energy source and a vital part of the solution to climate change, food security, and fossil fuel dependence.   

Algae are recognized as a complete natural food source and their profitable use in supplements and nutraceuticals is well established.  They are also emerging as a superior biofuel feedstock as opposed to plants such as corn and soybeans being used today.  There are over 300,000 different algae strains, per scientific estimates, and approximately 10 are used in commercial production today.

Critical research -- public and private -- has been carried out for the past 50 years, with an emphasis on fuels for the past six years.  The best innovation, and the most notable industry growth, have occurred inthe American markets.  This research has provided advances that are beginning to emerge in commercial algal biomas production.

Research has shown that algae can be utilized as an energy source.  Algae can be used to produce biodiesel, ethanol, jet fuel, 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. 

 

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. 

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.