Over on Biofuel Review they have some interesting figures on the kind of yield that super algae can produce in carbon-dioxide-rich environments.
The growth rate — an average productivity of 98 grams/meter2/day (ash free, dry weight basis) and reaching a high peak value of 174 grams/meter2/day — surpassed previous lab growth rates and exceeded all expectations going into the project.
Assuming that 60% of that weight is processable oil. That means that each square meter could generate 104g/oil day (that's about 4oz to the non metric). So it will take a goodly area of algae to make a barrel/day.
The key is sunlight and surface area. I wonder if it would be energetically worth while to illuminate algae at night to keep them growing 24 hours/day?
Hattip to Oilgae
Comments (2)
Rising demand for food in China, India, and other rapidly growing developing countries is the result of reducing poverty and that, of course, is a good thing! Over the longer run, a big part of the answer is for donors and developing country governments to invest more in improving agricultural productivity, as recommended by World Bank President Zoellick in his speech at the Center last week. In terms of what can be done now, this post focuses on the food aid problem and the need to reform US policy. A...
Posted by Benefits of Biofuel | May 14, 2008 5:11 PM
Posted on May 14, 2008 17:11
That's right rising demand in developing countries will increase demand for food, but the world's complex web of agricultural protectionism doesn't help spread the food we do grow around.
Posted by Simon Robinson
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May 15, 2008 4:58 PM
Posted on May 15, 2008 16:58