Algae To Biodiesel’s Rescue?

The production of biodiesel fuel has really been going full steam as of late. Biodiesel has been cleaning up some carbon-dioxide emissions, but at the same time has led to higher food costs. The reasoning behind the costs, is its dependance on corn and soy. Its because of this, that biodiesel technology has come under attack from many advocates.

On a positive note, there are researches being conducted that are looking for alternative resources for the fuel. The largest player as of now is algae. PetroAlgae, is one of the leading companies looking into harvesting algae for fuel. Working together with Arizona State University, they are developing means of growing natural strains of algae for commercial use.

What is so great about algae, is that there is no waste producted by it. Once it’s harvested for use as fuel, the remains can be packaged and used for highly enriched animal feed. Algae requires a certain amount of CO2 to grow, so PetroAlgae is looking for electric utility companies to provide them with their emissions. That shouldn’t be too hard of a feat, considering CO2 emissions are just waste to electric companies.

Harvested Algae
(Photo Credit: JCWinnie.biz)

While algae looks to be a highly “green” resource, there are a few things keeping it from catching on. First, is that it requires a very particular climate and habitat to grow in. Algae requires a very warm, and sunny location to be produced. Which can lead to geographical problems, in terms of production. Another problem as of now is cost. It takes an exorbitant amount of money just to produce algae on a small scale, let alone for commercial use. So, until production costs can be lowered, it looks like it will be awhile before algae can make a lasting impact.

I’m glad to see PetroAlgae, and other companies researching alternatives for biodiesel. I’m all for the production of alternative fuels, but if they’re at the expense of people’s hunger, then you have to balance its importance. But, at the same time, the research of biodiesel could eventually lead to CO2 free emissions. I tend to look at environmental protection like Bill O’ Reilly said (whether you like him or not), that whether global warming is “real” or not doesn’t matter, we should be trying to take care of our planet to the best of our ability anyway.