Algae biodiesel commercialisation by 2013

Soy oil is used in about 60 percent of the biodiesel made in the United States today, but that is expected to change in the near future. Dozens of potential feedstocks have been tested and many show promise.

With a grant from the Iowa Power Fund, Renewable Energy Group - an Ames, Iowa-based biodiesel company - tested 34 feedstocks.

The feedstocks included two types of algae, beef tallow, borage, camelina, canola, castor, choice white grease, coconut, coffee, corn oil, cuphea, evening primrose, fish, hemp, linseed, mustard, palm, poultry, rice bran, soybean, sunflower, used cooking oil and yellow grease.

Though not there yet, many scientists and biodiesel enthusiasts hope algae can be customized for biodiesel production. Commercialization of algae is expected in 2013, said Mary Rosenthal, executive director of the Minnesota-based Algal Biomass Organization.

The Algal Biomass Organization has 173 members and was formed to facilitate commercialization and market development of microalgae biomass specifically for biofuels production and greenhouse gas abatement.

It's not very likely that algae for biodiesel will be raised outside in the northern states, but there are several companies that are looking at raising algae in brackish or non-potable water with access to light and heat.

Algae can be raised in sludge water, wastewater treatment facilities, salt water and outdoor ponds in warm climates. The young industry has several challenges, though.

Companies that are developing algae biodiesel are keeping the information proprietary at this time. Other challenges include acquiring algae feedstocks, finding ways to make algae biodiesel profitable and keeping protozoa at bay.

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Veronica Cassandra