How Algae Could Create Better, More Efficient Gasoline Than Corn

Looks like algae can be added to bacteria and fungus on the list of organisms that could turn biofuels from an energy policy misfire into a viable green power source.

A new study out of the University of Virginia, and published in the peer-reviewed journal Bioresource Technology, investigated the biofuel production process at a New Mexico demonstration plant owned by Sapphire Energy. They grow the algae in large outdoor ponds, then turn it into fuel using a high-heat and high-pressure process called hydrothermal liquefaction. They use salt water to avoid cutting into fresh water supplies, and have worked to keep their input needs as low as possible. It’s still at the pilot-project phase, but Sapphire Energy did recently pay off a $54.5 million loan from the Energy Department.

How Algae Could Create Better, More Efficient Gasoline Than Corn