Bio-fuel: The fuel of the future?
If predictions from small-scale production experiments bear out, then using micro-algae to produce bio-fuel may be the only viable method to produce enough automotive fuel to displace current world gasoline usage. Why is this?
- • Micro-algae have much faster growth-rates than terrestrial crops.
- • Micro-algae have much greater oil yields than conventional sources of bio-fuels. The yield per unit area of algae is approximately 7.5 liters per square meter per year; this is 13 times greater than the next best crop, palm. A comparison of oil yield and surface required to produce 10 barrels of oil between DIAFORCE™ SBAE micro-algae and other plants is shown in these graphs:
- • The production cycle of micro-algae presents a better CO2 balance than most of the currently available bio-fuel sources
- • Micro-algae production takes up far less space and natural resources.
Of course, there are many challenges. The difficulties in efficient bio-fuel production from algae lie in finding an algal strain with a high lipid content and fast growth rate that isn't too difficult to harvest, and a cost-effective cultivation system. Thanks to its in-house expertise and patented development processes, SBAE Industries is at the forefront of industrial production of micro-algae, providing bio-fuel producers with a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative for long-term development.
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