European group sees bright future in algae

According to the newly created European Algae Biomass Association (EABA), industrial-scale production of bio-energy from algae or seaweeds can be expected in 10 to 15 years. Making algae-based biofuel cheaper to produce is an important part of biofuel research, as algae are “carbon neutral”, or absorb greenhouse gases as they grow. According to EABA, algae also presents no issues with regards to food versus energy, unlike other feedstocks such as corn or sugarcane. Making biodiesel from algae currently costs 10 to 30 times more than conventional production methods, EABA said. There are reportedly pilot projects in Portugal, Italy and other countries exploring algae-based fuel, but EABA warned against expectations of quick technological breakthroughs, as adequate research would take time. (June 3, 2009)