High Octane Algae - Biodiesel Research in Hawaii

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The search for a new fuel source for cars continues
by Keala Francis / 04-19-2006

Excerpts:

1. Almost any organic material can be converted into energy. Hawai‘i’s potential comeback crop, sugarcane, whose fibers, affectionately called bagasse, are a form of organic waste which can be fermented into ethanol, an alcohol fuel. Other potential “cellulosic” materials for ethanol production include sawdust and wood waste, rice hulls, rice straw, corn, wheat, soy beans, potato skins, sugar beets and yard clippings.

2. Unfortunately, alternative fuels, or clean technology, still cost more per gallon to produce than good old fossil fuel.

3. With new algae technology, a barrel of biodiesel would cost $32 to $75 per barrel, still too high to compete, and a couple of Hawaii scientists are experimenting with algae as the feedstock.

4. Waste oil, free from restaurants, is another low (no?) cost feedstock. But scalability is an issue with waste vegetable oil (WVO)

5. Scientists should look into genetically modified crops for alternative fuel options.

6. Hybrid cars have continued to develop better technology and made in-roads into the car market. Some companies even offer additional plug-in kits to popular hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape, for more alternative power.

Personalities & organizations mentioned: Dr. Barry Raleigh, a researcher at the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and managing partner of HR Biopetroleum, a start-up company working to manufacture algae-produced biodiesel.

Full article here from the Honolulu Weekly

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Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae provides links, directory, web links resources for algae-based biofuels & biodiesel. Intended to be useful for research, information, inputs, news for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, traders, suppliers, producers, exporters / importers of algal oil and algal fuels. Will provide info on biofuel feedstock, algal feedstocks, algae oil and link details on fuel from algae, bio-fuel, bio-diesel, algal oils & bio-fuels production and uses, biofuels trade & market resources, price data, statistics, prices, demand-supply for buyer, seller, manufacturer, trader, supplier, exporter and producer