Algae fuel is receiving more and more attention in the media, and as the technology to “squeeze” out the oil from algae advances so too does the economic viability. This is particularly interesting for developing countries; if we are able to secure energy to those countries that have little or no energy resources we are one step ahead at aiding development and improving livelihoods.
Associate Professor Joel Cuello (PHD) together with his team at the University of Arizona (UA) Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is experimenting with a system to do just that. The open pond sytem is ideal for developing countries to obtain some energy security and independence.
Wastewater from treatment plants plus sunlight, plus CO2 (from nearby plants), and recycled salt/fresh or brakish water create the optimum conditions for algae to grow and thrive. The algae is then harvested and oil is extracted and fuel produced.
The technology is improving on a daily basis and the race to who makes algae oil more economically viable is on. Boeing and Virgin are amongst the top two companies taking particular interest in algae. It is the fuel of the future. As Dr. Cuello specifies “It’s already been proven that the oils in algae can be converted into fuel. The problem is how to grow enough of it”.
Do you think algae can assist in securing energy to developing countries?
Please leave your comments below or contact me directly via e-mail
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuel Specialist, September 15, Rome
Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Yes, developing countries need a lot of energy, and affordable energy that also serves as a form of employment without competing with food sources.
My concerns with Dr. Cuello’s approach are:
Rural communities don’t have sewage treatment plants. At best, they have pit latrines.
Plants that emit carbon dioxide at scales large enough to economically capture and channel through algae ponds are few and far between.
I like the idea of using brackish water in particular, don’t know about recycled water availability.
What would be even more interesting would be the ability for rural communities to acquire appropriate technology to extract oil from algae and produce fuel in small yet economically viable quantities.
Noble idea nonetheless.