Chilean company farming algae for future production of bio-fuels

Tuesday, September 27th 2011 - 01:36 UTC

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BAL Chile SA is dedicated to farming algae on the island of Chiloé and in a second stage, plans to produce bio-fuels for industrial use, announced the company’s CEO Benjamin González. Read full article

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GeoffWard2
One of the key reasons why macroalgae are considered as feedstock for oil is their yields. DOE (Department of Energy, Gov of USA) has reported that algae yield 30 times more energy per acre than land crops such as soybeans, and some estimate even higher yields up to 15000 gallons per acre. Aside from keeping the earth clean and free from pollution, these algal biodiesel fuels help to utilize a resource that is available in abundance just waiting to be harnessed and exploited.

In the process, the green crude is mixed with a catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide and an alcohol such as methanol, resulting in biodiesel mixed with glycerol.
The mixture is cleaned to remove the glycerol, a valuable by-product, leaving pure algal biodiesel fuel, which is similar to petrodiesel fuel.
Although algal biodiesel and petro-diesel are similar, there are a few significant differences between their properties.

As with the production and harvesting of any vegetation, the 'energy & nutrients in - energy & nutrients out' balance applies; there is environmental nutrient depletion and environmental change for many associated species.
High levels of fertiliser application is needed to move the industry from extensive to intensive; this is not without cost.
Sep 27th, 2011 - 01:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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