From smokestack to gas tank

This article reports a project in the USA to produce biofuel from the carbon dioxide emissions from power stations. Algae are used to remove carbon dioxide from a power plant's exhaust, producing sugars by photosynthesis, which are then metabolised into fatty oils and protein. The algal oil is converted to biodiesel by transesterification using ethanol and a catalyst. Waste heat produced by the power plant helps to dry the algae before the oil is extracted. The potential market for fuel produced from algae is attractive when oil prices are high, and interest has been expressed from Europe as well as the US. Waste carbon dioxide is also produced when corn is converted to ethanol and a further pilot project is investigating this source. Algae farms need much less space than other sources of fuel such as corn, soy beans or rapeseed, and they do not require water or fertile land, making them suitable for desert environments.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02624079
• Authors:
  • Mckenna, P
• Publication Date: 2006-10-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 28-9
• Serial:
  • NEW SCIENTIST
  • Publisher: REED BUSINESS INFORMATION LTD
  • ISSN: 0262-4079

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algae; Alternate fuels; Carbon dioxide; Catalysis; Ethanol; Fuels; Waste products (Cargo)
• Subject Areas: Energy; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01040880
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jan 17 2007 9:00AM