Biofuel from algae has several key advantages over ethanol typically made from corn or another feedstock. Growing it doesn’t require the use of agricultural land or consume as much water as a field of corn or sugar cane.
But more importantly, it has the potential to return 3 times the energy needed to produce it. Compare that with ethanol’s return of 1.3 times. (Gasoline made from petroleum is a net consumer of energy, returning only eight-tenths of the energy needed to extract and refine it.)
The marine agriculture necessary to grow algae in commercial volumes is still evolving
These benefits are behind the renewal of interest in algae that has taken place over the past five years. But the hopes of bringing algae biofuel to the market soon may have to wait.
Another three to five years will be needed to master the marine agricultural techniques required to grow algae in the volumes and concentrations necessary to make harvesting biofuel feasible. And it will be seven to 10 years before the fuel is plentiful enough to be a serious substitute for gasoline.
These are the predictions of John Travers, chief executive of AER Limited, an Irish maker of an enzyme technology used to convert raw algae into sugar, protein and oil.
Travers says the main hurdle is in learning the nuances of algae cultivation. Algae require the right amount of sunlight, nutrients and growing conditions. If the organisms grow too quickly, they use up all their food.
“People have been growing corn for a long period of time,” he says. “Marine agricultural knowledge is still evolving.”
Also evolving is the science necessary for converting algae to fuel. During a large-scale August test in a 100-liter container, AER’s enzymes were able to convert algae into sugar, protein and oil with some concentrations from 50 to 80 percent.
“We are ready to go to market next year,” says Travers. Let’s hope some of the growers come along at an equally fast pace.
