Can Algae Biofuel Meet Global Energy Needs? New Algal Survey Shares Surprising Facts
Posted in Animals & Nature, Entertainment, News & Research
The combination of rising oil prices and concern for climate change has accelerated interest in Algae Biofuel as a clean, carbon-neutral alternative energy source. According to the inaugural Algal Industry Survey, there are critical issues that must be addressed before production of Algae can reach its full potential. A new white paper from Dr. Mark Edwards has been released documenting the results of this survey and is now available as a free download at: http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/survey/.
The economics of oil and alternative energy sources like Algae Biofuel continue to dominate the news. Right now there are several companies currently working on ways to produce energy and oil from Algae. But a new white paper, based on findings from the inaugural Algal Industry Survey, reveals there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before the industry can move forward.
Dr. Mark Edwards, the brains behind the survey, states that "The Algal Industry Survey was designed to provide a baseline of information about the emerging industry...and to assist in creating strategy for research, development and demonstration priorities."
The path to finding profitable ways of developing Algal Production has been a secret one at times as most companies protect their research and production methods. This has hindered the free flow of Algae Biomass news and made it difficult for new firms to build on industry successes or learn from industry mistakes.
In addition, the algal industry has seen its credibility suffer because of grandiose claims made by companies looking for investment capital. Some firms avoid reporting their actual Algae production figures to boost their chances of securing funding.
Commenting on survey findings, Dr. Edwards goes on to say, "Improved information on industry needs will support industry participants and provide critical information needed for public policy decisions and support."
Participants in The Algal Industry Survey included scientists, project developers, academics and investors who attended the Algae World 2008 conference in Singapore this past November. The findings from the survey shed important insight into how the fledgling Algal industry can be jump-started.
Among the key concerns addressed in this white paper:
- What are the critical issues for the algal industry
- Recommendations for moving the algal industry forward
- What will be the top three Biofuels made from Algae
- What feedstocks make the most sense for Algae oil production
Dr. Edwards is hopeful about the future of Algae Biofuels and Algae energy noting that survey participants see a bright future as well. "Respondents were generally positive about the future of the industry and optimistic about Algae's potential to solve critical social and economic problems."
The development of Algae Biofuel as a viable source of alternative energy will require that research drill down on production and supply chain issues as well as issues of social and global economic development. For example, is Algae the best feedstock option? Can Algae help relieve some of the world's most pressing challenges, including climate change and the need for alternative fuels, water remediation, carbon capture and recycle, and animal feed?
These topics and more will be discussed at the upcoming Algae World 2009 conference, scheduled for April 27-28 in Rotterdam. To register for this critical event, visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/attend/.
To download a free copy of the inaugural Algal Industry Survey White Paper visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/survey/.
About Algae World:
ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the Business opportunities, as well as the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting and processing. Algae World is organized by the Centre for Management Technology whose mission is to provide access to the latest technology and business intelligence through high profile alternative energy conferences.
About Dr. Mark Edwards:
Dr. Mark Edwards is the director of GreenIndependence.Org, an organization dedicated to bringing Algae's full promise to the world. Dr. Edwards is widely considered an "Algae evangelist," and his recently released book "Green Algae Strategy" has enjoyed rave reviews from peers and industry experts.
Via: PRWeb
Photo Source: s o d a p o p via Creative Commons License
17 Responses
1
Van
February 18th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
This is a promising breakthrough, I never knew that algae can be a source of energy.
We should all support this.
Van
2
Tony Lee
February 19th, 2009 at 3:15 am
This is an amazingly interesting post. I think many products from our oceans offer many untapped resources.
I've read many articles about medical breakthroughs that have emerged from sea plants. I know many biologists have dedicated their lives and careers in search of these discoveries.
Thanks for sharing this post!
3
tom
February 19th, 2009 at 8:19 am
wow truly amazing who would of thought algae as an energy source.
4
April
February 19th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I hope they research this thoroughly the thought of doing even more harm to our oceans then we already do is frightening.
5
Digital Mastering
February 19th, 2009 at 11:38 am
That's strange news for me :S
I haven't heard anything like that in past. I Googled bout it and found that the first patent regarding algae fuel was submitted in 2008. Though still I am unable to find any. Will let you know once got my hands on it.
6
Florida Mover
February 19th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I always love to see articles about new techniques for alternative energy. As Tony said, our oceans and sea life have great potential and we are still just starting to discover the usefulness of it all for our own purposes. However, it will be important to not expect this technology to solve all our problems. Many people are quick to say that something will be the solution, and then eventually bash it for not being as successful as it was made out to be. This technology looks promising but it will take a long time to work out the issues with it and to make it as efficient and productive as we need it to be. Thanks for sharing this!
7
Grog
February 19th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
This is a promising technology. I am still confused how the fuel or energy is extracted. I would imagine it's the release of methane gas.
8
Tony Lee
February 19th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Hello April,
I understand your concern and I agree.
As a retired member of the military, I kept in contact with a LT Colonel who was my Battalion Commander.
After he retired, he took a position at the Monterey Bay marine aquarium as a marine biologist.
Their biggest concern was the preservation of the eco system of the Monterey Bay. As I recall, many research projects were limited out of concern of the oceans delicate balance.
This post is a reminder of the value of our oceans using Algae as a Biofuel source. I am confident that as these methods develop, researchers fully understand the "Land verses Ocean" balance that must exist, if we plan long term use of these wonderful resources.
9
wilson
February 20th, 2009 at 1:23 am
It seems like the Alga industry a very potential for the alternative energy generating matter, Stefanie. Thanks for the detailed and useful information!
10
Da Vinci
February 20th, 2009 at 1:50 am
Yeah when I read this I thought great, but once again it's about an eco balance...algae is necessary in some places. So hopefully they're planning on growing it instead.
11
pays to live green
February 20th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
That is really interesting. It seems like they can make a biofuel out of just about anything. It's great to see that they are finding ways to use normally useless stuff into something can really help us out.
12
Mini Greenhouse Kits
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 am
Wow algae a source of energy... lol I never would have guessed. Sounds like a revolutionary technology, maybe one day we can have algae run cars!
13
Stefanie
March 11th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I share the concerns of those of you who are worried about us doing damage to the oceans by using algae in this manner. I think we are capable of doing this things and keeping a balance, if we really try, and don't just assume we can take as we please.
14
James
March 17th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I've met Dr. Edwards before and toured the lab at Arizona State University where he works. They're plan isn't to use the ocean, but to grow the algae in deserts using water from brine aquifers. It was pretty cool they were testing out many ways to grow the algae. To get energy out of it they need algae that produces the most oil possible so part of their research is finding that algae. To get the oil out I think they were filtering out the algae, putting it in a centrifuge to dry it, and then pressing it to extract the oil I might be wrong, but I think that's what they were doing. Quite interesting stuff!
15
Stefanie
April 10th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
James, that does sound really interesting! And good to hear that it would be grown specifically for this purpose.
16
George Packard
April 11th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Thanks for sharing this article. It's good to hear that science is working towards harnessing natural resources to create energy.
17
Mouli Cohen
July 21st, 2009 at 12:41 pm
This is the kind of story that makes people like me excited, a whole new world of discovery. I salute their entrepreneurial spirit!