Hitting the Road With 25 Gallons of Algae

The race is on to find new sources of energy that are both renewable and cleaner than their nasty hydrocarbon counterparts. Corn-based ethanol, it turns out, is not the answer. But a close cousin of oil-based gasoline, similar in origins but not fossilized, just might be the winner.

A tricked-out plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius was unveiled in San Francisco, where it will begin its coast-to-coast road trip on -- if you can believe it -- just 25 gallons of algae-based fuel.  That's right, algae.  The trip is sponsored by Sapphire Energy, a relatively young San Diego company that is developing a special breed of algae that creates a refinery-ready alternative to crude oil. The startup received investment capital from Bill Gates, so big money is taking them very seriously.

The car is joining the Veggie Van and other renewable-fuel-powered vehicles on a U.S.-wide trip to help promote the film "Fuel", about our dependence on foreign oil. Sapphire's first major project is the production of algae-based jet fuel, which will be followed by production of algae-based diesel. The car, named "Algaeus," will only use a 5 percent blend of algae, but it's a start.

Like all emerging technologies, there are plenty of kinks to be worked out. For one, it still is not competitive with black gold (which may change before too long, as oil prices are due for another shock). Design blog Inhabitat reported on the car's unveiling and features an extensive photo gallery.

I can't wait to read about the new crop of algae tycoons in a future Wall Street Journal article. Will algae-rich Oregon become the Texas of tomorrow?

Photo courtesy of Sapphire Energy