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A group of researchers has joined Mitsubishi and the University of Marine Science and Technology has launched a proposal for massive algae / seaweed. This project Pilot occupy 10,000 square kilometers for the exploitation of seaweed. The researchers believe that the products of the farm about 20 million kl (5.3 million gallons) of bioethanol annually. It is equal to one third of the Japanese consumption of fuel per year.

On the algae was considered as an alternative for producing biofuels. Most biofuels are currently produced from corn and sugar cane. According to the proposal of algae grown on the farm is the Sargasso Sea algae (hondawara). This type of algae to grow faster.

Bioreactors will float, there are special facilities that use enzymes break down sugars in the algae. The algae were then prepared for conversion into ethanol. The conversion will take place at sea and then transported to land for oil.

There are two main components of seaweed / algae interest in the production of bioethanol. They fucoidan and alginic acid. Scientists have discovered enzymes to break down and are now Fucoidan in search of the enzyme to break alginic acid.

The researchers say that in addition to the production of biofuel. Algae / seaweed farm also serve a noble duty to clean the Sea of Japan. The algae would not eliminate some of the excess nutrients flowing into the sea surrounding land masses

Other recent news from the United Kingdom said that the researchers also are digging this new opportunity. Professor Mike Cowling, director of science and research in the Crown Estate, said: "Given Scotland's rugged coastline of the western sea and relatively own, it should consider the cultivation of algae and sustainable harvesting of natural sources of energy. "

He said more research to establish the practicalities but added that seaweed could play an "important" in green energy.

Now What Algae are the advantages over other bio fuel products such as corn, sugar cane and palm oil?

* Algae does not need of land and fresh water than other crops producers of biofuels desperately. Many criticize the fact that the growing crops to produce biofuels require extensive acres of land, making it ineffective and potentially harmful to the environment.

* Prices foods that increase the ground effect is removed to produce biofuel.

* On the algae grows 10 times faster than sugar cane. East The most rapid growth of the culture.

* According to researchers at the Centre for Biorefining at the University of Minnesota, said that algae / seaweed produce 5000 liters of biofuel per hectare. As the returns compare corn, 18 gallons, 48 gallons of soy and palm oil to produce 635 gallons per acre.

References:
pinktentacle.com/2007/03/seaweed-as-biofuel /
enn.com/ecosystems/article/37327
bioenergy.checkbiotech.org/news/2008-10-27/Seaweed_could_be_used_as_green_fuel_alternative /
wildshores.blogspot.com/2008/11/seaweed-as-biofuel-pros-and-cons.html

UPDATE: BP Gulf Oil Spill- Multiple Leaks. Oil Experts- 210000 gallons a day..