Plausibility of algae biofuel

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INTRODUCTION
It is widely acknowledged that the current rate of fossil fuel consumption is not sustainable, and the depletion of crude oil and petroleum fuels has created strong interest in finding alternative means of producing energy. In developed nations, the average lifestyle is desperately dependent on increasingly limited resources. People can wait until relying on fossil fuels is critically inhibitive and be forced to transition for survival, or they can choose to adapt now since it is only a matter of time.
American consumers are most frequently reminded of their personal dependence on fossil fuels when filling up their vehicle at the gas station. Many would neither know nor care what the price of a barrel of oil was, if it did not affect the cost of their weekly fill-up. In addition to hybrid cars that use both electric and standard motors, some vehicle manufacturers have recently produced cars that run on a rechargeable battery, suggesting that rechargeable fuel cells could be the future of sustainable transportation. However, it takes time for fuel cells to recharge and drivers are accustomed to a more tangible refueling procedure. Consumers want a fast, portable, efficient, and cost-effective fuel source, comparable to current liquid fuels.
Algae-based biofuels are a leading contender in the race for viable alternatives to traditional petroleum fuels. Companies such as ExxonMobil have invested several hundred million dollars researching algae biofuel technology, likely to transition into the next generation of oil service without losing customers to their competitors.
This research is divided into categories according to factors inhibiting large-scale production of algae biofuel, the work being done by leading competit...

... middle of paper ...

...ay, T., Benemann, J., & Roessler, P. (1998). A Look Back at the U.S.
Department of Energy’s Aquatic Species Program – Biodiesel from Algae. Retrieved from http://www.biodiesel.pl/uploads/media/A_Look_Back_at_the_U.S._Department_of_Ener gy_s_Aquatic_Species_Program_Biodiesel_from_Algae_July_1998.pdf Vasudevan P., & Briggs, M. (2008). Biodiesel production – current state of the art and challenges. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. 35, 5:421-430.
Retrieved from http://www.springerlink.com/content/6837rr026w91gg77/
Walker, D. (2009). Biofuels, facts, fantasy, and feasibility. Journal of Applied Phycology, 21,
5:509-517. Retrieved from http://www.springerlink.com/content/p3064x5344334w37/
150mpg Algae-Powered Toyota Prius. Alternative Energy. (2009, September 13). Retrieved from
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/150mpg-algae-powered-toyota-prius/

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