Algae Energy Nets Big-Name Boosters

Among the many things we get excited about at Tonic is the prospect of new, clean energy technology. Some developments are pretty surprising and unexpected, perhaps none more so than the synthesis of hydrocarbons by algae.

We've written about algae as a source of energy here previously (oh, yes we have), and this nascent application is poised for a big boost with the active support of some very big players. Readers will recognize the name Craig Venter by his work at the helm of the Human Genome Project. In an interview with New Scientist, Venter discusses his recent efforts to improve oil-from-algae applications. A related development Venter discusses that some may find surprising is that technical and financial support for the initiative arise through partnership with ExxonMobil.

Genetic study is currently underway to produce algae that make oils most chemically similar to fossil petroleum, as well as strains of algae that secrete more oil.

Venter envisions a new symbiotic infrastructure where carbon dioxide is sequestered through concurrently improving capture technologies will providing feedstock for the algae. While not a true closed loop, such a system could conceivably keep countless tons of greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere while minimizing our demand for fossil fuel.

Getting energy from algae may seem far-fetched, but Venter is optimistic that this is no pointless exercise in going from the slime to the ridiculous.

Photo courtesy of Umberto Salvagnin via Wikimedia Commons.