For large-scale introduction of biofuels from algae need at least 10 years of scale

According to the study group from the University of Berkeley (California), no less than 10 years are needed before the appearance and distribution of reliable methods for obtaining biofuels from algae. Yes, there are companies that have already received quite decent results, working with algae - but still these technologies need to be improved, and most importantly - to reduce the price of the transformation of algae into fuel. According to experts, considerable help is needed from biologists, especially geneticists. General biology will help to find the optimal conditions for growing algae. And genetics will help create algae that are resistant to problem conditions, plus it will be easier to convert to fuel. Thus, it will be possible to achieve the maximum conversion rate.

Currently, dozens, if not hundreds of companies are working to create the technology of the future - obtaining biofuels from algae (both microscopic and ordinary - the same kelp). The potential of this technology is very interesting - algae can be called a practically inexhaustible resource, since they grow very quickly, accumulating maximum biomass in the shortest possible time. In addition, their cultivation does not particularly affect the environment - this is also a big plus of this technology.
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Another plus is that algae absorb carbon dioxide, environmentalists are now sounding the alarm, because the mass of algae in the World Ocean is declining, and algae are the green lungs of the planet, processing most of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

In principle, there are now quite a few ways to convert algae into biofuel, but the main problem is the cost of such a conversion. Now the cost of oil and gas production is significantly lower in terms of receiving one liter of fuel than the cost of processing algae in the same fuel. Of course, scientists are working on cheaper technology, but this is still quite far away.

The conclusion of scientists from Berkeley is unambiguous - currently there is no technology for converting algae into biofuel that could compete with current types of fuel production. But even with the naked eye, so to speak, it is noticeable that this technology has a huge potential that cannot be ignored. Hopefully, scientists are right, and in ten years algae biofuel will come to replace conventional fuel.

Via CNET