Even before the Inaugural Networking Forum of the National Algae Association kicks off in Texas on April 10th, algae is being recognized for its potential as the next biofuel.
Research on the benefits of algae began in the late 1980’s. It is versatile and can grow anywhere, and fast. It grows up to 40 times faster than most other plants. Its adaptability allows it to grow in locales other than farmlands and forests. It has an abundant presence on this planet from ponds, marshes, lakes and rivers to terrestrial plants and even snow. Wherever it grows it serves double-duty eating up air pollutants while producing oil.
The beauty of it though is its unsaturated fatty acid content. Algal-oil lipids are between 40 to 80 percent in dry weight. It rates higher than other biomass feedstock. There are many varieties to research to determine which strains will be the most beneficial in production. After extraction, flakes are left behind that have additional uses from livestock or chicken feed to the production of ethanol.
Cost of algae as a biofuel is determined by the method used for production. It is easier controlled with the use of sugar for fermentation, but this is the most costly method. Methods are being considered to harvest algae from ocean environments which may be challenging and costly as well. Sunlight is free however and all it takes is the natural process of photosynthesis.
To learn more about the National Algae Association’s Business Plan Forum which will bring together algae researchers and the financial community to review ten plans chosen by the NAA for review at the quarterly meeting visit NAA’s website. From the ten plans, six will be presented at the NAA quarterly business plan and networking forum. Three companies will be chosen as Most Promising Early Stage Algae Production Companies.
