A startling revelation made by a researcher at the University of Cambridge might disallow the use of label ‘green’ for biodiesel in particular. Researcher Anna Stephenson asserts that the production, refining and burning of algal biodiesel could generate four times more GHG emissions than the regular diesel. Her computer model indicates that algae farming in Perspex tubes and the sunlight exposure involve 320 grams per megajoule equivalent of fuel.
algae biodiesel production
Anna says…
If you use tubular bioreactors, frictional losses mean the energy required to pump the culture around is so high that the biodiesel would have a much greater greenhouse gas emission than fossil diesel.
On the other hand, growing the same culture in open ponds could bring the footprint down to only 19 g/MJ. However, here, you can never guarantee sufficient water supply and better sunlight exposure to algae. Therefore, the conventional tubular reactors are less environmentally benign than the open pond planters.
algae biodiesel production 2
Image Credit: SwitchBoard (Top Image)
Via: NewScientist
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