Algae the Fuel Solution for the entire USA in 6 months
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http://www.valcent.net/i/misc/Vertigro/index.html
Type of Content: Video The Holy Grail in the renewable energy sector has been to create a clean, green process which uses only light, water and air to create fuel. Valcent's HDVB algae-to-biofuel technology mass produces algae, vegetable oil which is suitable for refining into a cost-effective, non-polluting biodiesel. The algae derived fuel will be an energy efficient replacement for fossil fuels and can be used in any diesel powered vehicle or machinery. In addition, 90% by weight of the algae is captured carbon dioxide, which is "sequestered" by this process and so contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Valcent has commissioned the world's first commercial-scale bioreactor pilot project at its test facility in El Paso, Texas. Read »
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Actually, Valcent is a subsidiary of Chevron. Look it up.
Anyway, it's funny because I just finished writing a series of blog posts to a website on this very subject just a little while ago: http://www.algaepetro.com/
Most of the major oil companies in this country are investing in algae or related research. If the fedgov would stop giving out large doses of cash for making worthless ethanol, these other alternatives would have gotten much further along already. As it is, big oil's "green" measures usually involve growing corn.
--Aaron
The Militant Libertarian
http://www.MilitantLibertarian.org
> "As it is, big oil's "green" measures usually involve growing corn."
I think it should be hemp instead.
-Miss Green
"Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it."
Hemp is great for a lot of things, but algae is actually a better alternative for vegetable oil production and biofuel making. There are two big reasons for this: hemp displaces food crops, as they have to grow in the same areas and algae grows and matures faster, so more can be grown and harvested in a shorter amount of time. Plus algae produces much, much more per acre than any other plant. So I guess there's three reasons.
--Aaron
The Militant Libertarian
http://www.MilitantLibertarian.org
Actually, cannabis can be grown in a wide array of places. It can be found in nearly any climate, and can also grow in various soil types. It also can grow with minimal use of pesticides or fertilizers (it doesn't actually require them, because the plant is so naturally resistant to pests and doesn't consume much nutrients).
Also, soils that have been contaminated can be cleaned and filtered by planting cannabis there. So, soil that cannot be used for food can be used for cannabis. Once harvested, the soil will be clean and non-toxic (which will allow for planting new crops of any kind).
Considering the extremely rapid growth (can grow to 15 ft and more), it's harvest time is short and not only does it produce oil, but it produces many, many other things that are valuable (i.e. timber fibers for building, cotton fibers for clothes, twine, food, medicine, paper, etc.). Not to mention that cannabis seeds are one of the 3 things found naturally in this world that have the perfect ratio of nutrients to provide a completely balanced nutrition for a person (the other 2 are mother's milk and coconuts). How long does it take for algae to mature and be ready for harvest, anyway?
Although I'm not fighting against algae (couldn't be possible as a botany student), I don't think we are prepared to bring algae in the picture. Although there have been many claims for such high yields of oil, I have not seen or read about one being demonstrated. Many scientists are running into major difficulties and technical problems converting the algae into biodiesel. Not saying it isn't possible, but let's at least get off gasoline now with technology we possess, and continue to research and study algae and all of it's amazing qualities (including as a food source).
-Miss Green
"Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it."
The fight is on! Cannabis vs. Algae! This Friday on pay-per-view!
OK, I'll agree with you on that point. They have produced oil to make biodiesel at a 70/30 mix (still requires 30% regular diesel fuel) and are building a plant in Arizona to produce that. The largest drawback with hemp is the drug war, which doesn't appear to be going away anytime real soon.
--Aaron
The Militant Libertarian
http://www.MilitantLibertarian.org
Yes, the Drug War. A nasty monster.
Nevertheless, looks like you and I are in for some great discussions on BTM. Thank you for your input- keep it up!
-Miss Green
"Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it."
I try. :) I spend waaaaay too much time online. I write for a living and seem to do as much for free as I do for profit. haha
--Aaron
The Militant Libertarian
http://www.MilitantLibertarian.org
Don't forget the vast numbers of people for whom purchasing a diesel powered vehicle, in order to directly benefit from this, would be cost prohibitive. The marketing demographics just don't support it, for now.
The oil companies always pull out that same tired old "market driven" rhetoric to defend themselves when, in fact, they are closely tied to international banking and the military industrial complex and benefit enormously in times of war (from the devaluation of the dollar). They, collectively, are a very big, exteremly dangerous and well camouflaged dragon that is most deserving of a good slay. It is that top 2%, on the board of directors and in upper management you shoud be concerned with.
Actually, there are strains that will make gasoline replacements and even jet fuel. DARPA is working on the jet fuel version.
--Aaron
The Militant Libertarian
http://www.MilitantLibertarian.org
If it works why don't they just do it? They will get rich.
There are MANY solutions to this problem, but the oil companies make WAY to much money to let anyone else come and take it all away.
-Miss Green
"Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it."
Don't forget that the oil companies, which are 98% owned by average Americans, are currently making about an 8.5% profit margin. The government is making about 20%, so don't go looking to slay the wrong dragons.
Tom Mullen
www.tommullen.net
www.myspace.com/skepticsongs
You're right... we always have bigger fish to fry. I just wanted to pick on the oil companies, Tom- don't take that away from me! :)
Anyway, I think we should slay all the dragons (no matter how big or small)... just as long as we don't become dragons ourselves.
-Miss Green
"Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it."
What could the oil companies do about it?
They could buy up patents to new energy developments and never distribute them, for one.
Two, they could just use their lobbyists to pay someone off.. that always seems to work well.
-Miss Green
"Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it."