permaculture

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lfl@intrex.net>]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [SANET-MG] algae for biofuels
Date: Thu, 10 May 2007 23:07:29 +0900
From: Keith Addison <keith@JOURNEYTOFOREVER.ORG>
To: SANET-MG@LISTS.IFAS.UFL.EDU

> Dear all,
>
>
> One source of producing biofuels seems to be largely ignored by industry
> and politicians, which is the use of algae.
> There is one very informative website on this called
> http://www.oilgae.com
>
> Biggest advantage of the use of algae is the yield per acre, which makes
> the land use issue irrelevant whereas it seems to be problematic with
> all other sources.
>
> Here in the Netherlands I just learned there is one small company called
> Ingrepro producing algaeproducts (including oil) but it has to go
> without any subsidies, whereas other ethanol producers get big
> subsidies.
>
> Wytze

Trouble is, Wytze, for all the hype (lots!), biodiesel from algae is
not something that exists outside of a few laboratory samples and the
fervid dreams of gas-guzzlers. It's been "just around the corner" for
25 years, and that's where it remains. The fabulous yields claimed
per acre are theoretical, based on lab extrapolations that have never
been demonstrated in the real world. And there are some serious
obstacles to be overcome before it happens.

I rather doubt the company you're mentioning is really producing a
usable oil product from algae in any feasible quantities.

This sad news comes as rather a shock to a lot of people, but that's
the way it is. Things might change, but don't hold your breath.

Lots more information here:

http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/msg69373.html
Re: [Biofuel] An in-depth look at biofuels from algae

http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/msg69384.html
[Biofuel] An in-depth look at biofuels from algae - 1

http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/msg69383.html
[Biofuel] An in-depth look at biofuels from algae - 2

Best wishes

Keith Addison
Journey to Forever
KYOTO Pref., Japan
http://journeytoforever.org/