Algae Biofuels

Algae Biofuels and Carbon Neutrality:

As a response to the overuse of fossil fuels research is being done on finding effective, easily transportable, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy sources. One category of alternatives is biologically-based fuel sources known as biofuels. Biofuels are defined as "any liquid fuel derived from biological material" (What are Biofuels?). Generally, Biofuels like ethanol are less efficient than fossil fuels, and are blended with petroleum-based gasoline for a cleaner-burning product (Biofuel Basics). "Drop-in" biofuels are able to replace fossil fuels because they are rich in the hydrocarbons that are burned in petroleum-based fuels to produce energy. Algae can be cultivated to produce a high amount of hydrocarbons through lipid production. In this activity, we will be looking at the production of algae-based Biofuels or Algae Biofuels.

During cultivation, algae photosynthesize carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water, to produce energy. This energy is then used for general cell function and growth (i.e. the production of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids). In this case, the maximization of lipids (and thus hydrocarbons) harvested is key. Certain steps can be taken to maximize the amount of lipids produced and we will explore one these steps as well as other growth strategies later in the activity. After cultivated the algae can then be harvested and converted to a crude oil (“green crude”) that can then be refined and used as a fuel source.

Although algae biofuels are essentially interchangeable with fossil fuels in their use, their key difference lies in their effects on the environment. The concept of Carbon Neutrality relates to the idea of a carbon footprint, or the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by an entity or action. For something to be carbon neutral, it must take the same amount of carbon as it releases (CO2 released - CO2 consumed = 0). Consider the use of fossil fuels to power a car. When a fossil fuel is used, carbon is released into the atmosphere and no carbon is consumed leading to an imbalance in the atmosphere. When it comes to algae biofuels, on the other hand, whatever CO2 green crude releases into the environment, was already taken in through photosynthesis. Therefore, if a car is powered by algae-based fuel, driving becomes a carbon-neutral action. Algae biofuels are thus referred to as carbon-neutral or near-carbon-neutral energy sources. This difference also means that algae biofuels maintain the atmosphere's equilibrium and are a clear-cut replacement for fossil fuels.

Benefits of Algae Biofuels as compared to other Biofuels:

We have already discussed some major benefits to algal biofuels: The fact that they are carbon neutral, renewable, and are easily transportable. However, there is one more major benefit to algal biofuels that sets it apart from other biofuels that come from crops like corn and soy. When it comes to biofuels more generally, the biggest tradeoff is the use of farmland that could otherwise be used to produce foodstuffs. When faced with the amount of biomass needed to meet current energy needs, the "land required is so great that we cannot simultaneously meet our energy needs and grow enough food" (Disadvantages of Biofuels - Land Use). However, when compared to other biofuels, algae produces 10-100 times more fuel per acre. Additionally, Algae biofuels do not require the nutrient-rich soil that their biofuel counterparts also do and can be grown in areas unfit for traditional cultivation, such as deserts. These advantages allow biofuels to be produced without hindering food production to the same extent as soy, sugarcane, or corn derived biofuels and establish them as the biofuel with the biggest potential for mainstream use.