The Miracle of Gas From Algae Isn't Panning Out

Last year, the idea that diesel fuel could be created using algae was all over the news. Unfortunately, the effort can only work on a very small scale that makes no sense, says Jonathan Marshall of PG&E.

1 minute read

November 8, 2010, 9:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


Dozens of biotech companies were hot on the idea, but skeptics -- and a new report produced by UC Berkeley -- say that the technology won't work on a large scale.

Marshall writes, "The report estimates that with current technology, a 250-acre algae biofuels plant would need to sell its oil at $332 a barrel to break even-a price that would make even OPEC green with envy (pun intended)."

The technology isn't a complete waste, says Marshall, because it can be used for bioremediation.

Sunday, November 7, 2010 in Next100

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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