Numerous start-ups are researching and beginning pilot plants to determine the viability and profitability of algae based biodiesel. Many production factors need to be figured out before this can be a long-term solution. Two large factors are bioreactor production limits due to light requirements and cost of processing (harvesting, drying, extraction). Read more here.
Using bacteria from the stomachs of South American catfish, an independent researcher believes two barrels of oil could be produced from a ton of biomass. Though a pilot plant has yet to be produced, there are two California companies who are pursuing similar uses of bacteria. The key is likely finding the right bacteria and process to make the fuel the most economical. Read more here.
Two articles published in “Science” state that when taking into account land changes associated with biofuels, that are NOT carbon neutral. The increase in demand for biofuels has resulted in an increase in arable land, which often has resulted in deforestation and destruction of grasslands. Interesting stat: One study finds over a 30 year period. biofuels contribute nearly twice as much carbon dioxide than gasoline would. Read more here.
According to Greentech Media, over $3.4 billion was invested in 222 renewable energy projects in 2007. This is up 47.8% from 2006. 71 of these projects were solar and 44 were biofuels. Read more here. In stark contrast, Shell has quietly been selling off it’s solar interests. Most recently, Shell sold it’s photovoltaic operations in India and Sri Lanka to Environ Energy Global of Singapore. Last year, it sold off it’s solar module production business to Germany based SolarWorld. Read more here.
Led by the Illinois State Geological Survey, the Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium was awarded a $66.7 million grant from US DOE to test large scale geological sequestration cable of economically storing over a million tons of CO2. The project will focus its efforts at the Mount Simon Sandstone Formation, which extends Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. The CO2 will come from an Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) ethanol plant. Interesting Stat: This is the last of three DOE sponsored sequestration projects announced in the Midwest, totaling $318 million. Read more here. Learn more about the Midwest Geological Sequestration Project here.
