Could Pond Scum Save the Planet?

Energy policy promoting the production of ethanol from food crops such as corn and soybeans is widely recognized as having a calamitous affect on global food prices and climate change. But just when you thought we’d have to choose between food and renewable energy, there is a new hot plant: algae.

Biofuel from algae is being touted as an emerald green crude oil that will provide renewable energy without the nasty side effects. Since algae is not a food-producing crop it does not require diverting food for energy production. It also produces far more energy per acre than food crops. An acre of soybeans can produce roughly 70 gallons of biodiesel fuel, while an acre of algae can produce about 1,200 gallons.

Algae can also be used to offset other carbon emissions. Some algae fuel companies plan to produce algae next to coal-fired power plants. The carbon dioxide is captured and provides photosynthetic food for the algae. Some project plans say that algae ponds will consume 90 percent of the CO2 emissions from a plant. On top of that, power plants that deploy the technology will generate revenue from carbon credits.

The great frontier is to produce hydrogen from algae for hydrogen fuel cells. Scientists have known for decades that certain species of algae can produce hydrogen in anaerobic conditions. Researchers are working to develop processes to produce enough hydrogen to supply fuel cells to generate electricity. This would eliminate expensive and energy-intensive (Some would say prohibitive.) processes like electrolysis required for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Several algae-to-biofuel startup companies are in various stages of development.