Third Generation Biofuels
Algae are considered to belong to the third generation of biodiesel feedstock. Algae are low-input, high-yield feedstocks to produce biofuels. They produce 30 times more energy per acre than land crops such as soybeans. With the higher prices of fossil fuels (petroleum), there is much interest in algaculture (farming algae). One advantage of many biofuels over most other fuel types is that they are biodegradable, and so are relatively harmless to the environment if spilled.
Advantages of Third Generation Biofuels
- Superior yields
- Not directly affecting the human food chain
- Grown in places that are not suitable for agriculture
- Enhanced efficiencies or reduction in cost
The problem presented by this generation of biofuels is primarily that of developing technologies that will enable biofuels from these to be more cost effective.
Get more information from the following pages
See also
Third Generation Biofuels via Direct Cellulose Fermentation
Third generation biofuels: scientists patent corn variety with embedded cellulase enzymes
