Can algae save our planet?

Millions of years ago, algae played a big role in helping turn the earth's atmosphere into one that can support modern life. Now, scientists are hoping algae can do it again and help save the earth from global warming by removing greenhouse gases and creating new oil reserves. Their plan is to find economic ways of turning algae into vegetable oil that can be turned into biodiesel, fuel, and plastic products. And these fuels are considered to be net carbon neutral since algae absorbs greenhouse gases during its production.

Many companies across the world, including the U.S., are already working on ways to use algae as a source of fuel. Japan Airlines are testing flights using blends of jet fuels, biofuels, and algae oils. In 2011, Brazil's MPX Energia plans to start using algae to trap 10-15% of carbon emissions from a coal-fired power plant.

Another advantage of using algae is that it can be grown in places that are uninhabitated, such as salt water marshlands and deserts, which would leave more room for cultivating crops on prime farmland. Algae can also grow 20 to 30 times faster than food crops.

Research is currently being done on identifying which strains of algae will produce the most oil or absorb the most carbon dioxide in different growing mediums. However, this field of research is not new. The U.S. government began funding this research in the 1970's but discontinued the program in 1996 because of how expensive it is to produce biodiesel. But now crude oil prices have sky-rocketed and exceed the price of biodiesel production.


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