Ethanol is by far the most common and most consumed of all the biofuels. In 2007, worldwide ethanol production reached 13 million gallons – with the Unites States and Brazil being its main producers and consumers. However, Ethanol is mainly derived from corn a commodity which is also consumed by man and the increased demand for corn based ethanol has not only increased the price of the commodity, but has had an impact on the worlds’ most poor and hungry. Therefore ethanol from algae can have a significant impact on the worlds energy demands.
BioFields, is the Sonora facility operator, whose initial major customer is reported to be the Mexican oil company, Pemex. Pemex is licensed by Algenol to market its ethanol product to anyone. Initial production in 2009 is planned for 100 million gal/yr. The cost of the Ethanol from algae is expected to be less than any other U.S. fuel.
My only concern is the following; alganol can only be produced through man made expensive photo bio-reactors which are very expensive to buy and maintain, where does that leave LIC’s ? (Low Income Countries). Will they be able to afford the technology and secure energy for their populations?
I’d like to hear what your thoughts are on the subject either by commenting on this post below or e-mailing me directly
Read about BioFields here
Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
