Biofuels from algae plagued with problems, says review

Wagdy Sawahel

7 May 2010 | EN

Biofuels made from algae might not be as efficient as hoped for

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Hopes that algae could become a source of biodiesel that is friendly both to the environment and the poor may be premature, according to a review.

When early sources of biofuels — mostly derived from food crops — incurred widespread criticism for being harmful to the environment, undermining food security, and being unlikely to reduce overall carbon emissions, algae emerged as a potential biofuel source that could sidestep these problems.

But they have serious drawbacks that may mean they can never compete with other fuels, according to Gerhard Knothe, a research chemist with the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.

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