Plotting an algae-powered future
Sea trials of algae-derived biodiesel are part of a ground-breaking fuels initiative by Lloyd's Register.One of the unique qualities of algae, which are plant-like organisms that grow in water such as seaweed, is that they can produce oils with molecular structures similar to petrol and refined hydrocarbon - which means they can help make gasoline, diesel and jet fuels, reveals the study."Certain algae can theoretically produce over 2,000 gallons of oil per acre a year - unlike first generation feedstocks such as soy beans which have an annual yield of only 50 gallons per acre," said Ed Fort, LR's Head of Marine Engineering Systems.Among the other fuels being studied by LR are liquid natural gas (LNG), hydrogen and the biofuels methanol and dimethylene (DME) which are derived from hydrocarbon feedstocks.Read 'The Great Fuel Debate' on pages 53-55 in the May issue of Horizons, Lloyd's Register's marine magazine.Source: Lloyd's Register
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