Why Algae? Consider these quick facts:
Algae has the highest net energy yield (33-to-1) of any biofuel, meaning it only takes one unit of energy to produce 33 units of usable energy.
Algae, since it is not a food crop, will not cause food shortages or increase prices.
Algae can be used to treat wastewater. In fact, it thrives on these nutrients.
Algae does not lead to a netincrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide, as it consumes massive amounts of CO2 during growth.
Why America should care about biofuels
In a nation addicted to fossil fuels, consumers are at the mercy of global fuel prices. When crude oil increases in price, so does everything else in our oil-dependent economy. For instance, according to Professor David Pijawka of ASU’s School of Sustainability, the average distance that food travels before arriving at the typical grocery store in Phoenix, Arizona, is 1,200 miles. Additionally, most consumer goods travel even longer distances, as evidenced by the frequency with which we read the words, “Made in China.” Due to the fact that these goods are transported via traditional methods relying on gasoline and diesel fuels, it should come as no surprise that goods become more expensive when costs of transportation increase.
So far, the United States seems to have moved towards corn-based ethanol as a gasoline substitute, but close examination of the facts exposes flaws ranging from inefficient energy ratios to negative effects on global food prices. Of all the other choices for biofuel, though, one plant seems to far exceed all others: algae. The United States government, as well as individuals interested in truly sustainable solutions to energy independence, should support the production of ethanol that is derived from algae rather than corn, because algae-based biofuels are more environmentally benign, are far more energy efficient, and present many economic benefits that would support local communities.
These companies are already pursuing algae biofuels:
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