Algae-power has great potential for Hawaii

A team of local companies plans to develop a microalgae facility to produce oil for biodiesel.

[Forward Observer]

If microalgae can used to make biofuel and can be produced at a competitive cost relative to other fuels, like petroleum, it will be produced in places like Southern California, New Mexico and Arizona where the climate is similar and the land and labor is cheaper. Energy self-sufficiency like economic self-sufficiecy will likely remain elusive goal. I can't help but wonder aloud whether if this very upbeat story about this superfuel of the future will be followed by a request for state investments funds to promote further research?

[XTZ]

From what little I have read about this it sounds as though it has some potential. It make more sense than using corn to make ethanol since it does not take away food stock to make fuel. I share Forward Observers concern about having money funnelled into it at this stage.

[This is it]

Clearly we need to wean ourselves of dependency on foreign oil. This will make a stronger nation, both economically and militarily.

Growing our own fuel is the key. And let's not use food to make fuel. This process can be way more efficient. Using mother nature is usually the far more efficient manner.

And there are thousands of acres of land out there to be used. I agree that it may be too early to pump large sums of state money into it, but the federal government can help out.

[Richard Richardson]

So an electric rail has some potential to make Hawaii less dependent of imported oil if they make it run on algae. They should either develop it as a potential levitated super-conductor train or do that initially. Hawaii has a lot of potential for rail development if the manufacturer contracts stipulate that any vehicle construction occur on Oahu. Any system that is developed elsewhere will be a future drain on the people of Oahu. As much as possible, the money needs to stay in Hawaii's economy for local infrastructure improvements to occur.

[Jew Blew]

The best-laid plans of mice and men go oft astray and leave us naught but grief and pain for promised joy.

[gomee]

we are at present developing the algae in three different base (spring water,herbal water and fibre base) which is yielding very good results

[rickk]

New Mexico and Arizona are dry climates.
They would have to go with the vertical closed loop systems that are being researched.
There is still some water loss but less.
There is also the problem of once the algae starts to grow, it blocks sunlight penetration to the system.
The Hawaii plan looks like it is getting water from the sea. Just need the acreage for the ponds.
Hopefully this works out and is cost effective. Hawaii does have high energy cost.

Forward Observer wrote:

If microalgae can used to make biofuel and can be produced at a competitive cost relative to other fuels, like petroleum, it will be produced in places like Southern California, New Mexico and Arizona where the climate is similar and the land and labor is cheaper. Energy self-sufficiency like economic self-sufficiecy will likely remain elusive goal. I can't help but wonder aloud whether if this very upbeat story about this superfuel of the future will be followed by a request for state investments funds to promote further research?

[Solarman]

Forward Observer wrote:

If microalgae can used to make biofuel and can be produced at a competitive cost relative to other fuels, like petroleum, it will be produced in places like Southern California, New Mexico and Arizona where the climate is similar and the land and labor is cheaper. Energy self-sufficiency like economic self-sufficiecy will likely remain elusive goal. I can't help but wonder aloud whether if this very upbeat story about this superfuel of the future will be followed by a request for state investments funds to promote further research?

www.valcent.net ; www.algenolbiofuels.com
Google Melis Energy.