Algae, one of the oldest life forms on earth, are poised to play a major role in the global search for the ideal biofuel feedstock, as researchers around the world seek new, more efficient ways to squeeze oil from "seaweed" to produce a clean and renewable biofuel. Some scientists even project that algal fuels could one day replace petroleum outright.

There are certainly good reasons for this kind of audacious hope. Some forms of algae are as much as 50 percent oil, and they can be grown in salty water or even waste water, absorbing C02 in the process. Researchers say algae can produce from 30 to 400 times more oil per acre than other popular biofuel feedstocks like palm trees and soy beans. And since algae can be grown in huge open ponds or in sealed bioreactors, and because algae can convert sunlight into chemical energy (photosynthesis) much more efficiently than other feedstocks, its wide use could take biofuel production out of the food cycle for good.

It doesn't seem possible to create a viable, alternative fuel source from algae, but it turns out that not only is it possible but it just might be the best option we have in the future.

Algae fuel, or Oilgae, uses different components of algae to create one of several types of fuels such biodiesel, ethanol or butanol.  The biomass of algae consists of 60% oil which can then be converted to a biodiesel, while the carbohydrate component of algae can be fermented to produce bioethanol.

At this point, algae production for use as an alternative fuel is still in development and there are several companies working away on the green slime to be the first to make just the right breakthrough to make this a profitable endeavor.  That is to say, we can make biofuels from algae right now, but it still costs quite a bit of money to do so.  Figures vary, but it seems the price per gallon of a viable fuel is still many times that of traditional fuels.

Nissan Motor Company recently announced the forthcoming release of its new electric vehicle sedan that will likely go about 100 miles on a single charge.

 The company suggested the car would be officially unveiled on August 2 in Japan and would hit US and Japanese salesrooms in 2010.  The car would be equipped with a computer system, labelled the EV-IT, that would provide key data to the driver such as a navigation map with the driving radius within its current range as well as the ability to calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.

The driver will also be able to monitor the cars data online or via cell phone, checking things like the state of the battery charge as well allowing the owner to remotely switch the charging function on/off or set the air conditioner timer.

Nissan has been one of the leading car manufacturers in developing an electric car these last few years and this move might just push it to the lead if they can come up with a viable product.  However, note that this industry has historically been long on promises and short on a product when it comes to electric vehicles.  

More information should be forthcoming in August on Nissan's EV Website, www.nissan-zeroemission.com.