Algae Oil Production Disadvantages & Advantages
Scientists have now genetically modified algae to produce oil efficiently. Theres a site about this green source of oil (literally), called Oilgae.com and it provides a host of information about algae oil production.
At first sight, this appears to be a great method for producing oil but since uptake on this source has been slow and relatively under the bridge, I’m a little skeptical about it. Nevertheless, many sources indicate that this source of oil is the only feasible way to replace petroleum completely.
Since I’m interested in this, I did a little reading to find out the benefits and downsides to this form of algae production. These are derived from Oilgae.com. Let’s take a look at the benefits first:
Advantages to Algae Oil Production
- No need to use crops such as palms to produce oil.
- Algae Oil Extracts can be used as livestock feed and even processed into ethanol.
- High levels of polyunsaturates in algae biodiesel is suitable for cold weather climates.
- Grows practically anywhere.
- Can reduce carbon emissions based on where it’s grown.
Disadvantages to Algae Oil Production
- Produces unstable biodiesel with many polyunsturates.
- Relatively new technology.
- Biodiesel performs poorly compared to it’s mainstream alternative.
Oil Produced by Algae Looks OK
So far, from what I’ve read, it appears as though this is a relatively safe source of oil and it’s nice to know that we do have a backup plan for when oil reserves run out.
For more information about algae oil production, have a read of these sites, or refer to my related posts:
Looks promising. Scientist may eventually find a way to refine it further. If its cheaper than drilling for and pumping oil from the ground, big business will take notice and it’s gonna take off. They can smell profit from half a world away.
You’re right – scientists are already refining the process. They’ve begun genetically engineering the algae to produce higher yields of biodiesel. I’ve noticed that a number of businesses have picked this up and they’re positioning themselves to capture the market when oil reserves are depleted.
There will be a need for oil for many many years to come, since it’s becoming a more precious resource, it will really encourage big business to get behind this method.
I’m just curious to see how clean biodiesel is in the longterm. Surely it’s not as green as they say it is?
These and other comments/analysis about algae oil and other alternatives to oil are difficult to comprehend without comparative cost data. Without cost and other data, why bother even talking about alternative to oil?
That’s a good point, Rick. I guess it depends on the scale at which it’s done. Our dependence on oil will make us find a way to make algae biodiesel cheap. So far it’s proven to be more effective than using corn and other food crops with regards to producing oil.
I still think it’s important to discuss alternatives to oil since the cost of it is rising so rapidly. Maybe when oil runs out, we can transition to alternatives a little more easily.
Apparently, you haven’t been watching what’s happening at Origin Oil. They have finally come up with a revolutionary process for growing, controlling, mass producing, cracking the algae and it’s supposed to be highly refined so that it will make a great jet fuel.
Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Continental Airlines and Air New Zealand are all going to test it in their jets.
It is supposed to be much greener than ground oil and it can replace many different fuels.
They will be presenting it at the National Algae Association tomorrow in Texas. And will shortly be giving other good news to the press.
Both Origin Oil and Valcent Products have been showing the most promise and I think that Origin Oil will win for now. They have already applied for 3 patents and hopefully they will be approved soon.
I honestly believe this is the future for fuel since it burns cleaner and we won’t have to change the mechanics of cars, trucks, jets etc to use the fuel.
Also, it can be grown and processed right next to a refinery so we won’t have to deal with the transportation overseas or across land. That will save a lot in costs by itself.
We won’t have to drill into the ground or oceans so won’t have the spills to deal with.
And as far as any oil spills now and in the future, MOPN MOP Environmental just received EPA approval for their revolutionary new process for cleaning up oil spills. They will also help to keep a cleaner environment.
The world has come a long way.
Cheers, James.
You’re dead right by the looks. Where there’s a will there’s a way and we’ve certainly come far. While it’s good news that we don’t have to worry about changing the mechanics of cars, I still believe that electric cars would be a lot better for the environment in the long run.
I’m most excited about this source of oil for airlines. Hopefully this will stop rates from going up as well.
[...] Biodiesel is a renewable energy. It can be sourced from oil producing algae or food crops like pal oil and vegetable oils. This will make it a fantastic replacement for when [...]
Thanks for a useful article and for mentioning Oilgae.com!
This is just to thank you for the information that you’ve given, it’s been very helpful to a lot of ignorant people who don’t care and support their environment, and your work is highly appreciated.
Thanks, Ziyanda.
I’m just spreading the word about this fuel source – Hopefully the more people that know about this, the sooner oil algae will be able to alleviate the environmental problems that we’re developing now.
[...] is what I find difficult to believe. Sure there are advantages and disadvantages to algae oil production but it can’t be that bad right? Why do you think that uptake on biodiesel has been so slow in [...]
[...] Biodiesel is produced from algae or from oil-producing plants (palm, soy). The oil used to make biodiesel is refined like rock oil to make something that is pretty much like regular diesel. And this means that any diesel engine can be a biofuel car. Biodiesel is usually mixed with regular (i.e. diesel from crude oil) to stop mould growing in it. One small problem that you may find if you are using an older diesel car as a “biofuel car” by running it on biodiesel is that the biodiesel corrodes the rubber gaskets and hoses more, so keep an eye on what your engine is doing. B100 biodiesel is pure biodiesel, while B50 is a mix of 50% biodiesel and 50% regular diesel. [...]
I really hope that the algae diesel producers aren’t backed by big oil, because that still wouldn’t solve much of the problem, but i have faith in this technology.
[...] Biodiesel is a word used to describe other oils, such as vegetable oil, that can be used to run diesel engines. Older diesel engines may be able to use these alternative fuels without alteration but, in newer-model diesel cars, use of biodiesel requires a modification kit and voids the warranty. There are plenty of places to learn the benefits of biodiesels and also algae oil. [...]
May I know where the top picture was taken?
can anyone of you ,please send me some very specific and striking facts on this topic, i am making a business plan in this, and i hope you can contribute to this cause of mine. i am a MBA student at pune( India). you can mail me the relevent information at mehrachanchal@gmail.com,yahoo.com.
thanks
Sorry L, I don’t know where that picture is of. Maybe if you did a quick Google image search for “algae oil production”, you will find the source where I may have got this from.
Chanchal, you would be best off talking to guys who actually make the stuff in practice. Visit Oilgae.com andtalk to the people on the forums.
this is soo cool
The very first alarm that went off was the term “genetically modified algae.” Perhaps many of those that have commented here have no clue about most of the food that they consume (plant based) are genetically modified organisms (GMO) or the meat is produced using genetically modified crops for feed. The point I am making here is that GMO plants are literally wiping out heirloom varieties of many crops and that we are rapidly moving towards what is referred to as monoculture based agriculture. What happens when an organism attacks these plants? They are wiped out and there aren’t any of the original species left that may be resistant to whatever organism is killing them off. The Irish Potato famine comes to mind which wasn’t isolated in Ireland but all over Europe. What happens if the “bioengineered” algae get out of control? Genetically altering plants that are necessary for our survival is taken far too lightly by most people. Cheap food that all looks the same is what “we” have become used to and cheap oil has driven the economies of many countries but those days are over. For those that mentioned corn as an oil source mistated what corn is used for in fuel production which is ethanol. Ethanol production for fuel is incredibly wastful since it use an inordinate amount of energy to produce plus a ridiculously huge amount of water. Water that we need for drinking not running our cars. The mindset must change. Global warming is a reality that we really know little about when it comes to the consequences involved which may be our very survival as a species. Too many think about how green alternative energy is but speaking of internal combustion engines the carbon produced is a big part of the greenhouse effect that is endangering our survival. Yes I drive a car to get back and forth to work and to the grocery store. Any other driving is for necessities such as visiting my doctor when I have an appointment. Other than that and a once a year trek to see my aging sister that is all. I used to drive much more but these days I have changed my driving habits and incidentally I only buy organic foods that are certified by a trustworthy certifying agency. If this algae oil stops the destruction of the rain forests so that oil palms can be planted then I am all for it with the caveat that the genetically altered algae be kept under very stringent controls. For a little history Ferdinand Diesel invented the diesel engine to run on straight vegetable oil and it was the oil companies that developed a product from petroleum that would work in his engine design. Ferdinand wanted to produce an engine that farmers could use and grow their own fuel. Just plain vegetable oil not bio-diesel.
I guess that’s all I have to say for now except a parting thought…..Think about it!
thanks so much for all the information your reall helping me out with some school research, but dont worry im not pladurizing and im giving full credit to you
thanks
hey,i luv your web site,u should have more pictures though.
L,
To answer your question, that “photo” is an illustration. No such facility exists anywhere.
I’d suggest anyone excited by this subject test all the claims made by the companies hyping this technology.
As to the claims about “genetically modified algae”, the only way to keep any system using any specific type of algae, let alone a GMO, as a mono-culture is to use an enclosed photobioreactor. Fact is, nobody is seriously proposing to use a photobioreactor because the capital and maintenance expenses do not justify the cost.
So the more likely solution is an open pond or a “race track design” as is illustrated in the photo above. Both of these are subject to invasion by different species, so GMO or otherwise, there’s no way to guarantee that what you’re growing is a high-oil producing strain. Also, the growth rates for an open system will be much lower because algae have a cycle of growth that is enhanced by being exposed to light and then shadow. A bubbling bioreactor allows you to design that in, but open ponds or race tracks don’t mix much without energy input.
Be wary of every claim made by algae biofuel hypers. You’ll find a lot of blog articles and even some news articles on the subject. But nowhere will you find an operational system and nowhere will you find cost figures. But if you’re excited about this, start by reading the final report of the aquatic species program and go from there. It’s easy enough to find that I won’t link to it as a test for how interested you actually are…