Algae Farms - a critical alternative source

It is clear that one of the major hurdles to biodiesel reaching a significant share of the diesel market is the relatively high cost of the principal feedstock source-soybean oil. Alternative uses for soy crops will continue to grow and put pressure on the supply and, in turn, the price for soy products. While the current $1.00 refund to biodiesel blenders allows for short-term competitive pricing vs. petrodiesel, this will not be a permanent solution. Alternative raw material sources must be developed that will yield the level of supply and cost efficiency to improve the overall profitability of biodiesel, as well as other bio-fuels. One raw material source that has shown great promise is (certain strains of) algae. Zeon is affiliated with a large group of algae farms in India, which are organized effectively to expand in response to growing demand for bio-fuels. Our group is actively working with experts to identify the proper algae strain to grow and is forming alliances with local ranchers, as well as with biodiesel producers’ R&D efforts, to stay on the leading edge of this emerging alternative feedstock. New technologies (such as “photobioreactor” bags) are being developed to ensure the success and highest possible yield of these algae crops. Furthermore, the successful development of algae feedstock will open new market opportunities over time. For example, research is being conducted by major aviation corporations, such as Honeywell, to determine how oil derived from algae plants can be used to produce competitively priced jet fuel.

Algae Facts

Blue-green, environmentally safe algae can be found growing naturally in farm ponds. This plant “blooms” in response to certain conditions that can be controlled by applying algae biodiesel farming techniques to achieve large-scale production. The challenges involve maintaining just the right mix of temperature controls and CO2 concentration, and warding off invasive species.