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Is Algae Biodiesel Fuel the Solution to High Gas Prices?
- By Heath Allison
- Published 05/29/2008
- biofuels
- Unrated
Algae biodiesel fuel has the potential of becoming a huge industry. Think about your area swamps, rivers, ponds and lakes. Algae grows in abundance. In fact, as long as there is water and sun, algae thrive.
Scientists have discovered that algae can be converted into biodiesel that can be used in any biodiesel engine. Though it may not seem possible, algae is one of the world's richest sources of oil. Algae produces far more oil than corn, soy, peanuts or other food sources.
Algae also grows rapidly and in many conditions. All you need is water and sunlight and algae thrives. Scientists are still researching just how much algae is needed to create biodiesel from the plant.
Another issue with algae biodiesel fuel is that producing it on a massive scale might be costly. Only small-scale studies have been completed. No one has priced what it would take to create enough biodiesel for the entire world. Would consumers be willing to pay this price?
According to government studies, every year approximately 60 billion gallons of diesel and 120 billion gallons of gasoline are used. For a car to run on biodiesel, the engine must be changed to a diesel engine first.
A diesel engine uses less fuel than a gasoline powered engine. Algae biodiesel fuel amounts, therefore, would be less. The
government estimates that people would immediately reduce fuel consumption by approximately 35-percent.
Based on those facts, the government estimates that 138 gallons of biodiesel would be needed every year. Using biodiesel-hybrid engines could reduce this even more. Studies have been done on algae farming for biodiesel fuel and it is estimated that ponds would cost $80,000 per hectare to maintain.
In the end, studies show that it would take approximately $46 billion to run the algae farms and convert the algae to biodiesel. This is much cheaper than oil companies cost. But, would algae biodiesel fuel producers really pass the savings on to consumers?
In terms of price, greed always comes into play. If you have four companies making algae oil biodiesel, who knows what they will charge. As oil companies are making record profits, there are people who worry biodiesel producers will become just as greedy.
Until further studies have been completed, algae biodiesel fuel remains a great idea that needs more additional research. As it is an abundant plant form, the potential for a sustainable fuel source is a reality.
If you own or are thinking of buying a diesel vehicle and you are concerned about the rising costs of diesel, you might consider saving money by making your own algae biodiesel fuel. It is surprisingly easy if you know how. For a step by step guide I highly recommend Making Algae Biodiesel at Home.
Scientists have discovered that algae can be converted into biodiesel that can be used in any biodiesel engine. Though it may not seem possible, algae is one of the world's richest sources of oil. Algae produces far more oil than corn, soy, peanuts or other food sources.
Algae also grows rapidly and in many conditions. All you need is water and sunlight and algae thrives. Scientists are still researching just how much algae is needed to create biodiesel from the plant.
Another issue with algae biodiesel fuel is that producing it on a massive scale might be costly. Only small-scale studies have been completed. No one has priced what it would take to create enough biodiesel for the entire world. Would consumers be willing to pay this price?
According to government studies, every year approximately 60 billion gallons of diesel and 120 billion gallons of gasoline are used. For a car to run on biodiesel, the engine must be changed to a diesel engine first.
A diesel engine uses less fuel than a gasoline powered engine. Algae biodiesel fuel amounts, therefore, would be less. The
Based on those facts, the government estimates that 138 gallons of biodiesel would be needed every year. Using biodiesel-hybrid engines could reduce this even more. Studies have been done on algae farming for biodiesel fuel and it is estimated that ponds would cost $80,000 per hectare to maintain.
In the end, studies show that it would take approximately $46 billion to run the algae farms and convert the algae to biodiesel. This is much cheaper than oil companies cost. But, would algae biodiesel fuel producers really pass the savings on to consumers?
In terms of price, greed always comes into play. If you have four companies making algae oil biodiesel, who knows what they will charge. As oil companies are making record profits, there are people who worry biodiesel producers will become just as greedy.
Until further studies have been completed, algae biodiesel fuel remains a great idea that needs more additional research. As it is an abundant plant form, the potential for a sustainable fuel source is a reality.
If you own or are thinking of buying a diesel vehicle and you are concerned about the rising costs of diesel, you might consider saving money by making your own algae biodiesel fuel. It is surprisingly easy if you know how. For a step by step guide I highly recommend Making Algae Biodiesel at Home.
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