The Latest in next-wave biofuels feedstock reports: Microalgae

June 8, 2014 |

In this study from Utah State, researchers concluded that microalgae-based biofuel not only has the potential to quench a sizable chunk of the world’s energy demands, say Utah State University researchers, it’s a potential game-changer. Researchers published findings from an unprecedented worldwide microalgae productivity assessment in the May 26, 2014, online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The team’s research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The report is here.

Meanwhile, this University of Virginia study looked at the Sapphire Energy demonstration project in New Mexico, and found that algae biofuels tested as very close to petroleum in energy efficient-production. The study demonstrated that carbon emissions of algae biofuels come in at 50-70% lower than that of petroleum. The study evaluated EROI, Energy Return on Investment, or the amount of energy needed to produce energy in various forms, including petroleum, biofuels, wind, solar and other renewable sources.

The report is here.

Category: Research

Thank you for visting the Digest.