Algae as a biomass source.
In ideal conditions some species of algae grow at very high rates, up to 30 times the rate for land plants. The oil content can be 40%.
Biomass
UK Joins Methane to Markets Partnership
The UK today joined a US-led partnership that seeks to cut global methane gas emissions and to promote methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.
U.S. to Aid Nations in Methane Conversion
U.S. Will Help Poorer Nations Harvest Methane Emissions and Turn Them Into Clean-Burning Fuel.
Whalers move for return to slaughter
A return to commercial whaling and the type of butchery not seen for the better part of a century will move closer this week with Japan expected to secure enough support at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission to ensure a pro-whaling majority for the first time in 20 years.
Ethanol From Cellulose: Prospects And Implications
Abstract: The last study of the energy balance of producing ethanol from cellulose was back in 1979. It showed that the energy inputs required were 3.3 times the energy contained in the ethanol output. Nevertheless the belief has persisted that producing ethanol from cellulose may become viable. This paper attempts to interpret the most recent plans for improving the process. It concludes that the best plans on the drawing board, at the present time, indicate a positive energy balance, with inputs comprising about 63% of the ethanol output.
NASA scientists get global fix on food, wood & fiber use
NASA scientists working with the World Wildlife Fund and others have measured how much of Earth’s plant life humans need for food, fiber, wood and fuel. The study identifies human impact on ecosystems.
Researchers explore using glucose as fuel
You may not soon be able to refuel your car with corn syrup or charge a computer by plugging it into a bottle of Coca-Cola. But to Stanley Kravitz and a group of researchers at Sandia National Laboratories, sugar looks like the new oil.
Scientists Urge Shift to Non-Food Crops
Farmers of the world must shift quickly to growing plants for industrial uses such as oils and plastics to replace petrochemicals as the climate warms and crude supplies run out, British scientists said on Monday.
US: Biodiesel Boom Well-Timed
News item discussing expansion of biodiesel outlets & home-producers in USA, cost & running benefits.
Biomass potential in Europe
WWF-UK press release announcing publication of report examining potential for biomass to generate energy.
The promise of artificial photosynthesis
It is still unclear where most of our energy will come from in the longer-term future. A promising new contender is emerging: the harnessing of photosynthesis.
Energy sector could ignore waste wood as fuel, expert warns
The biomass power generation market could close its doors to wood recyclers if something is not done to address their misperceptions, an expert has said.