John T. Haaf – 8/7/08

This page was last updated on August 10, 2008.

Use algae to enrich other fuels; John T. Haaf; Beaver County Times; August 7, 2008.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I just came across a Web site dealing with the growth and application of algae. This information was also provided to the Engineers Club of Sun City, Ariz.

“The importance of this report is that by using fast-growing algae high-quality vegetable oil is produced. The byproducts of the process also have valuable uses.

“The highlights of this presentation are:

“1. Corn produces about 18 gallons of oil per acre a year.

“2. Palm oil, the next largest oil producer, supplies some 700 to 800 gallons per acre a year.

“3. Algae can provide 20,000 gallons of high-quality vegetable oil per acre a year.

“Amazingly, any of the three can be used to enrich fuels such as jet fuel and/or diesel fuel.

“I am assuming that the data expressed in this report are true, or at least a step in the direction of reducing fuel requirements and returning corn to the world as a food staple.

“This being the case, I am concerned that the government and political agendas have not even hinted that such a process is even a possibility.

“Are the people being shut out of this remarkable application by the government, farmers, oil companies, speculators, and brokers?”

[RWC] Apparently Mr. Haaf believes there’s some conspiracy to keep this info from us. Fortunately, that’s incorrect. I recently saw a Modern Marvels episode on the History Channel covering this technology. There’s also this Technology Review article from back in February 2007. As with all potential alternative energy sources, it all comes down to economic viability. Today, oil via algae isn’t price competitive, though I can’t predict the future.