Researchers hope algae might help solve oil crisis

Some species of algae – yes, the green slimy stuff that accumulates on ponds – hold rich stores of oil, rendering them a source of alternative fuel. The growth on the surface, however, shades the algae beneath, thereby impeding biomass growth and thwarting algae’s potential usefulness.

With USTAR funding, Utah State University has hired researchers to crack this problem so algae aquaculture can become a viable alternative to crude oil for the production of liquid motor fuels – an alternative that holds huge advantages over corn used in ethanol production.
The team will identify the strains of algae with the best energy potential, then develop a growing media that speeds growth and maximizes oil content.

“In our layer designs, we’re figuring out how to get the sunlight deeper into the algae through interesting optical approaches,” Muhs says. “We can increase biomass. We’re fielding inquiries one a day from companies interested in teaming with us.”

To make this optics-based approach cost-effective, the team hopes to develop a use for the light not needed by the algae. Muhs is working on a two-step optical process that splits the spectrum, directing one stream to the algae and diverting the infrared spectrum – the longer waves beyond visible light – to photovoltaic devices for electrical generation.

Salt Lake Tribune