This is about Biofuels and Algae fuels. 1. In some places, algae would have to be cultivated indoors, further increasing costs and the price of the product. The mechanism behind oil synthesis within microalgae cells has now been revealed by a research team. In order to turn Algae cultivation requires large areas of water. We can use the hydrocarbons from plant-based materials in the same way that we use them from petroleum-based items. The algae grows with enough abundance that the refinery processes could be immediately profitable as well if commercial growing methods became available. Although the price of this fuel is still quite expensive, there are several research projects working right now to lower those costs. Other biofuels are less expensive. We must note though that palm oil plantations cause significant ecological damage as rainforests are burned down to make space for palm fields, resulting in the loss of animal life. Algae is one of the most efficient sources for creating biofuels, … But using algae as a biofuel isn't quite as simple as skimming the green stuff from the surface of a pond and pumping it into our gas tanks. Another advantage would be their resistance to pests and environmental changes. It would work with our current system of fuels. Scientists have to use various mechanical and chemical methods (or combinations of the two) to extract oil from algae and convert it to fuel that is actually viable. Making the most of scarce resources. Using current farming techniques, it can take roughly 120% more energy to produce a gallon of algae biofuel when compared to the energy it contains. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), How Do Hydrogen-Powered Cars Work? It can grow in numerous locations as well, including in the water supplies that are around power plants or paper factories. The outcome could result in problems with pest control, water pollution, or a total loss. Using waste and residue as raw materials for biofuels is an … The structure of algae biofuel is beneficial because it absorbs as much carbon as it releases because that is what it uses for food. We don’t need to worry about clearing forest space or converting croplands to create this fuel resource. However, our engines don’t necessarily have to run on petrol or diesel. However, with the numerous advantages come also challenges that shouldn’t be ignored. At this stage, it seems ‘algae biofuel’ has quite a few benefits: It’s carbon neutral as the marine organisms consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. Estimates back then suggested that the price of this resource could eventually come down to $5.50 per gallon. Although different crops use the same techniques, the quality of this resource to generate power can vary widely. Algae absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, which means that whatever CO2 is released will just be absorbed right back. Qantas and United Airlines have both tried using blends of algae biofuel with up to 40% mixtures and have completed successful trials of the product. 6. There is also the threat of run-off that could impact local waterways. That there are a number of problems with this idea hasn't stopped politicians i To learn more about how algae biodiesel is produced, let’s run through all stages of the process—from how algae emerge and thrive, to the actual technologies turning them into fuel. Some countries may want to look for ways to lessen their dependence of foreign products. It is extremely productive from an overall production standpoint. The structure of algae biofuel is beneficial because it absorbs as much carbon as it releases because that is what it uses for food. It is not hard to see electricity produced there without the need for coal and using ecological replacements for fossil fuels soon. 1. As with all new ideas, fuel derived from algae comes with both pros and cons. At this age, humanity is racing against the clock. It is abundantly available even without commercial processing. As this type of fuel has everything that takes to be a breakthrough technology, all that we need at the moment is time to perfect the process and to make it much more cost-efficient. Since some of these nutrients come from petroleum-based products, it shifts the needle on carbon neutrality somewhat. This source is biofuel derived from algae. It offers a high production cost using current technologies. Algae biofuels, a form of renewable energy that converts sea-growing algae into liquid fuel, have been intensely studied since the oil crisis of the 1970s. Obtaining fuel from algae… The pros and cons of algae biodiesel are encouraging because it gives us an outlet for the future using a product that is proven to work. Although recycled wastewater and natural farming methods could reduce this disadvantage somewhat, there is still the threat of water diversion occurring if this opportunity is pursued. There are several steps that must be followed before this natural product can become a usable fuel source. The product can be refined in a similar way to petroleum products, which means it becomes useful in our current structures. It definitely represents the radical change that we need in our approach to combustibles. That means it would cost more in the long run. The Department of Energy reports that algae have the potential to yield at least 30 times more energy than land-based crops currently used to produce biofuels. Algae have many reasons why they could be consider as one of the most perfect choices for biofuel production. Algae are tiny biological factories that use photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy so efficiently that they can double their weight several times a … It seems, however, that with enough research and development from scientists and engineers, the pros will outweigh the cons. Producing biofuels from algae is a concept dating back to the oil shocks of the 1970s. It requires large amounts of water to be productive. There are economic and environmental advantages to consider with this developing industry, while there are disadvantages that we must avoid as well. A significant advantage of using algae for biofuels is that it need not displace farmland used for growing food sources. The varying climates that are found throughout the geographic regions of our world dictate the types of crops we can cultivate. Over time, scientists would most likely be able to overcome this problem with more efficient drying techniques as well as more effective algal lipid bio-reactors and engines. The energy balance is still not in algal fuel’s favor, unfortunately. It is a bio-based fuel which offers a carbon neutral combustion. Algae are the optimal source for second generation bioethanol due to the fact that they are high in carbohydrates/polysaccharides and thin cellulose walls. For example, a component of harvesting algae is the already scarce and non-renewable element, phosphorus. It would require up to 15 million metric tons of nitrogen to create enough algae to create 39 billion liters of biodiesel through this effort, along with 2 million metric tons of phosphorus, which represents roughly half of what is already in use on American croplands today. The algae biofuel process. We can still produce petroleum fuels faster. Another advantage of using algae biofuel is that it would become a direct and immediate replacement of the fuels that we already use in various industries. Algae store energy in the form of oils and carbohydrates, which, … Oils and animal fats can be processed into biodiesel. They were able to determine that a diverse mix of various species would help to improve the stability and the yield of crops. Featured image by Geoffroy Hauwen on Unsplash, A curious explorer of life and the Universe. Since the reserves of crude oil, coal, and natural gas are expected to be gone in 60-80 years, this product could be a realistic Plan B. It can even grow in spaces that would be inefficient for other forms of agriculture. In addition to this, he helps local business owners with digital content strategies to grow online. That is why this biofuel uses much more water than other resources using current technologies. 7. If you turned oil palm into a fuel, then you would receive 635 gallons per acre. For the production of a combustible fuel we need dry powder, and with the current approach to powering the process, it takes more energy than the produced fuel would provide. This natural product uses photosynthesis to create oils that consume carbon dioxide. 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