Algae-to-biofuel goes online
PetroSun, Inc. launched their commerical algae-to-biofuel facility in Rio Honda, Texas this week. This is amazing stuff: about 1,100 acres of saltwater ponds will be producing bio-jet-fuel from algae. The project is on track to produce 4.4 million gallons of algal oil and 110 million pounds of biomass per year. Additionally, PetroSun will be conducting algae-to-bioplastics research to complement their fuel program.
Here’s the most recent public shot of the facility from space:
From their website:
Extensive research has been conducted to determine the utilization of microalgae as an energy source, with applications being developed for biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, methane, and even hydrogen. Independent studies have demonstrated that algae is capable of producing in excess of 30 times more oil per acre than corn and soybean crops. Biodiesel produced from algae contains no sulfur, is non-toxic and highly biodegradable.
Governments, Canada’s especially, have implemented atrocious biofuel policies. These policies are among the many causes of the rising worldwide food shortage and inflation crisis.
While there are many potential benefits to biofuels and bioplastics current transitions are having too drastic an affect on food prices and supply. It is simply unacceptable to trade food for fuel, especially without aggressive programs to address excessive consumption and waste.
Recently, Valero CEO Bill Kless criticized the impact ethanol production on food:
Klesse blasted US policy makers, the US Congress, the press and environmentalists for conducting a “serious attack” on the oil industry while ignoring problems associated with ethanol”
“Where is the investigation into corn prices and farm prices and land speculation? Of course, that would not be politically acceptable,” Klesse said, noting oil companies routinely face scrutiny when fuel prices rise.
Ethanol offers no net reductions in emissions once the effort to make it is considered, nor do ethanol backers acknowledge the impact of using corn to make fuel rather than for feeding a growing world population, Klesse argued.
This PetroSun project has an opportunity to demonstrate a more sustainable and profitable course can succeed without massive state intervention and subsidy and without displacing agriculture. It’s major challenges, however, could be more sustainable, passive, and cost-effective alternatives coming online sooner, like inexpensive solar or geothermal.
Either way, it’s fantastic to see this project get off the ground and begin commercial production.
PetroSun algae-to-biofuel press release
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