Will algae replace oil effectively?

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Algae has, according to industry experts, by far, the most potential to replace oil if the need arises. Seven years ago, algae fuel was seen as a miracle saviour and it was predicted that the US could, in theory, grow all the transportation fuels it needs on just 15,000 sq. miles of desert land. With research and advancements, reality took over.

A US DOE study earlier this year reported that algae-based biofuels could replace 17% of the country’s oil imports. OriginOil had recently signed an agreement with the US DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory to help develop industry standards to make algae-based fuels a competitive alternative to petroleum. The greatest boost for the industry came with the recent US Navy’s order for 450,000 gallons. But these steps are slow- just like improving fuel economy standards, promoting public transportation and putting a decent price on carbon. Although these help in making the society more sustainable, it still hasn’t reached that stage where it can completely nudge oils out. - read more