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.