Harnessing the Power of Algae: Combating Global Warming and Producing Sustainable Biofuel

Scientists at Plymouth University in the United Kingdom are currently engaged in research aimed at utilizing algae for two key purposes: mitigating the carbon dioxide responsible for global warming and producing biofuels that do not compete with food production.

Algae is being extensively explored due to its remarkable capacity to absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen. This process played a pivotal role in shaping the Earth's current atmospheric composition and fostering the development of life as we know it. Additionally, the decomposition of algae on the ocean floor over time has contributed to the formation of numerous petroleum deposits found today.

Steve Skill, a representative from Plymouth Marine Laboratory, explained the multifaceted approach being employed: "We harness sunlight directly through the cultivation of algae, extract the stored energy in the form of oil from the algae, and subsequently utilize it to create various fuels and non-petroleum-based products."

The research conducted by scientists in Plymouth is not unique; various companies such as Sapphire Energy, Origin Oil, BioCentric Energy, and PetroAlgae are also striving to leverage algae as a viable fuel source. In fact, Japan Airlines has already conducted test flights using a combination of biofuels (including those derived from algae) and conventional jet fuel.

Algae biofuel holds considerable appeal for several reasons. Like other biofuels, it has the potential to offset carbon dioxide emissions because plants absorb this gas during their growth. Algae possesses an additional advantage in that it thrives in environments unsuitable for human food production, thereby reducing the likelihood of impacting food prices as seen with ethanol derived from corn. Furthermore, algae grows significantly faster—approximately 20-30 times faster—than most food crops.

Researchers from Plymouth University and other institutions are also investigating algae's ability to absorb carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. MPX Energia, a Brazilian company, has already made plans to implement algae-based carbon capture technology in a coal plant as early as 2011.