Environment Cars could run on algae 'within a few years'

[The Helper]

Driven by fluctuations in oil prices and seduced by the prospect of easing climate change, experts are intensifying efforts to squeeze fuel out of a promising new organism: pond scum.

As it turns out, algae - slimy, fast-growing and full of fat - is gaining ground as a potential renewable energy source.

Experts say it is intriguing for its ability to gobble up carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, while living happily in places that are not needed for food crops.

Algae like mosquito-infested swamps, for example filthy pools, and even waste water. And while no one has found a way to mass produce cheap fuel from algae yet, the race is on.

University labs and start-up companies across the country are getting involved. Over the summer, the first large corporation joined in, when ExxonMobil said it would sink $600 million (£360 million) into algae research in a partnership with a California biotechnology company.

Cars could run on algae 'within a few years'

Driven by fluctuations in oil prices and seduced by the prospect of easing climate change, experts are intensifying efforts to squeeze fuel out of a promising new organism: pond scum.

www.telegraph.co.uk

 

[Avaleirra]

This is stupid. It's just another way to kill the enviroment. We'd run out of algae and while we were extracting it, tons of organisms would die since algae is a major food source.

 

[Samael88]

This is stupid. It's just another way to kill the enviroment. We'd run out of algae and while we were extracting it, tons of organisms would die since algae is a major food source.

If you ever had a fishtank you would know that algea is a pretty damn stubborn little thing, and you would probably not say that

I think that it sounds like a good idea On the other hand, I don't think that I would like to smell the fumes from that engine

 

[vypur85]

> We'd run out of algae and while we were extracting it

Ever heard of growing algae ? Can you grow petroleum? So which is a better choice?


> I don't think that I would like to smell the fumes

I believe they produce gasoline from algae oil extract. Meaning, it's still... gas. No worries about the smell .

I hope the technology works well.

 

[Vicboy]

Hey, 2nd poster, why aren't chickens extinct if we have millions of restaurants selling anything chicken?

 

[phyrex1an]

Conclusion: It's an energy inefficient and expensive version of a normal battery.

Admit it, you've spend all your efforts in refining the combustion engine and you still can't get it to reach 50% energy efficiency... It's time to drop that ball and go on with your life.

 

[BlowingKush]

And yet another promising technology that Republicans will attempt to squash.

Running your car off green fuels is to Liberal and could be favored by black presidents.

 

[seph ir oth]

Politics and whatnot aside, there is no one perfect fuel source. If we switch completely to algae, at some point we could (note: COULD) reduce carbon dioxide levels to a dangerously low point. BUT, it's a good idea for now :thup:

 

[Tru_Power22]

I don't know why there is such a race to make it a fuel source. All organic matter is combustible. Just dry it out and you can burn it.

 

[Azlier]

>Just dry it out and you can burn it.

Marijuana comes to mind.

Hah. Pot powered cars.

 

[Tru_Power22]

Best. Exhaust. Ever.

 

[FireCat]

Algae fuel Bad idea I think.

why aren't chickens extinct if we have millions of restaurants selling anything chicken?

But some chicken are extinct or almost. Isn't that awful?

 

[Whitesock]

If you ever had a fishtank you would know that algea is a pretty damn stubborn little thing, and you would probably not say that

Well keep in mind that something like 50% of the oxygen we breath comes from algea.

 

[UndeadDragon]

If this does work. I expect that algae would be mass produced, so I doubt that would need to worry about running out of it.

 

[Miz]

Algae fuel Bad idea I think.

But some chicken are extinct or almost. Isn't that awful?

All Chickens would be extinct if it weren't for humanity stepping in and mass-producing them.

 

[FireCat]

All Chickens would be extinct if it weren't for humanity stepping in and mass-producing them.

Well, yeah that's true!

 

[The Helper]

Here it is 14 years later and I guess this did not become a thing LOL!