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Algae: Biofuel of the Future?
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Algae is being promoted as an alternative to biofuel feedstocks like corn, soybeans, and palm. In theory, algae can produce far more oil per acre than terrestrial crops.
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Opportunities: oil-rich algae has much higher productivity than land crops, it is a non-food resource, can use non-productive land, saline water, waste CO2 streams and can be used in conjunction with waste water treatment. An algal biorefinery could produce multiple products: oils, protein, and carbohydrates.
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Challenges: over optimistic productivity calculations and assumptions about culture stability in large scale cultivation, harvest efficiencies and oil extraction. Current research has shown the cost of oil from algae to be very high, and years of research and development may still be needed to determine whether the cost of production can be economical.
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If R&D proves successful and algae biofuels can be economically produced, this technology could be developed so that in the future algae biofuels could make a contribution to our energy supplies, our environment and human welfare.
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Dr. John R. Benemann co-authored the famous “A Look Back at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Aquatic Species Program: Biodiesel from Algae” report prepared for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Published in 1998, Dr. Benemann’s report is widely considered as one of the first and most comprehensive publications directly addressing the potential of Biofuel production from Algae.
In this new position paper, 'Opportunities and Challenges in Biofuels Production', Dr John R Benemann reveals key insights into the current reality, opportunity & challenges of Algae Biofuel production through discussion of current Algae cultivation & harvesting practices, and technologies that must be adopted in developing a sustainable position in Algae Biofuel production. He also explores the need for reliable and low cost processes.
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Released in line with Algae World 2008 conference in Singapore, this critical position paper makes available an objective assessment of the challenges and potential of developing Algae Biofuel.
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by John R. Benemann, Ph.D. Consultant, Benemann Associates
Manager International Network on Biofixation of CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Abatement with Microalgae, also MicroBio Engineering and IEM Applications
Walnut Creek, California. jbenemann @ aol.com. |
© 2008 Robert Henrikson, Ronore Enterprises, Inc.
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