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.
Convinced? Here’s what needs to happen
In order for the American economy to begin embracing algae, the U.S. government will have to take some very large strides to further its progression. As unfair as it sounds, it has the power, and thus needs to make a choice, to either encourage its development or crush its chances of progress. The reason Washington has so much power lies in the amount of subsidies and tax breaks that it currently hands out to corn farmers to feed cars rather than people. From 1995-2007, the government encouraged the industry with an astonishing $50 billion in subsidies (Vidal). To even the playing field, it will be necessary to either eliminate corn subsidies, allowing consumers to decide with their dollars what they prefer, or to transfer some or all of the subsidies to the growing algae fuel industry.
Education will also play a large role. If the American people became aware of the true facts regarding biofuels, the result might very well be a large wave of public support. It is also very likely that the U.S. government will begin to see algae’s potential and pursue various subsidy shifts to make it more viable in the commercial market – at least until it is able to be produced cost-effectively and competitively. In order to progress the production of algae more rapidly, it will be important for citizens to write their congressmen to let them know that Americans support algae biofuel, and that corn is simply a bad idea. Additionally, by producing various television commercials that explain the facts about biofuels in America, people will actually be able to make an informed decision about their energy goals. One of the most significant barriers in the way of energy independence is ignorance. Once our leaders and fellow citizens become aware of the bright possibilities ahead, progress might finally take hold.
With all the facts considered, it appears that the United States simply cannot go wrong in supporting the use of algae in the nation’s fuel tanks. In addition to being much more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient than corn, algae has many intriguing benefits. It has a very high potential to be used in conjunction with carbon sequestration systems, as well as gray water reclamation due to its ability to filter nutrients out of water. Biofuels derived from algae would also be very versatile in the market, allowing for the production of a wide range of transport fuels. Perhaps most importantly, algae can be grown much more productively on a much smaller plot of land and does not interfere with existing food markets, meaning it will not cause food shortages or price hikes. Considering that the benefits of algae are so stunning, our failure to seriously pursue the possibilities of this new energy source would be foolish, if not tragic.
These companies are already pursuing algae biofuels:
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