Algae to Biodiesel? What would be the cost?

Question

If we were to made biodiesel out of algae how much would it cost to fill a 20 gallon tank?

Answer 1

Go to the website below. APS is Arizona Power System. They are using algae here in the desert to convert to biodiesel.

Answer 2

way more that you would save

Answer 3

Biodiesel made from algae oil is still in it's infancy..no one as yet has produced any appreciable amounts. There are, however, several companies that are experimenting and researching their options and feasability of producing Algoil.

The key seems to be in raising high lipid strains of algae and getting them to reproduce quickly, while mainting high lipid counts. Most research, thus far, has been limited to saline (saltwater) algae, although some are experimenting with freshwater strains.

Getting oil out of the algae is not the big obstacle, the process is nearly identical to making vegetable oil...the difficulty, thus far, is making it profitable, by keeping lipid yields and growth rates high.

The PROJECTIONS so far indicate biodiesel made from oil extracted from algae...

will be the same or slightly less in price than petroleum diesel..it has to be, or it will not appeal to a mass market.

Here are some interesting links if you wish to learn more:

http://www.biodieselnow.com/forums/13/Sh...

http://www.oilgae.com/

http://www.unh.edu/p2/biodiesel/article_...

Answer 4

Bio-diesel is usually made from natural, renewable oils.  Algae are not oils.  The question is a bit like asking how much for a tankful made from cats & dogs!