Solazyme a Calfornian based company claims to have found the fuel for aviation. The algae fuel has been tested by the Research Institute (SwRI), one of the nations leading fuel analytical laboratories, and it has passed the eleven “most challenging specifications needed to meet the ASTM D1655 standard for Aviation Turbine Fuel.”
Solazyme use a “dark process” which means they are growing the algae in the dark, feeding it its nutrients in the dark. This systema according to Solazyme is more consistent and profitable than open raceway pond system or photo bio-reactors.
Scientific America is reporting that Boeing would require about 1000 gallons to do adequate testing, however Solazyme may have problems in producing such quantities due to lack of production equipment.
How does photosynthesis occurr without sunlight or any light for that matter?
Feeding it sugar would not be very sustainable (How much sugar is needed?) Would this have an impact on the worlds sugar markets?
If you have any of these answers please either e-mail me or reply on this post below.
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuel Specialist, September 22, Rome
Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
