Growing Algae Vertically for Massive Scalability
Texas trials by Valcent Products partnered with Global Green Solutions is demonstrating an efficient closed loop system for vertically growing algae for high scale oil production. With this system, Valcent CEO claims that using their system in an area the size of 1/10 the area of the state of New Mexico could provide all of the energy needs of the entire country. A bold statement, lets explore the details.
Glen Kertz - CEO of Valcent Products
The vertically aligned system increases the surface area of algae that is exposed to sunlight. The closed loop system uses very little water and prevents loss of water to evaporation.
Oil production is considerably higher for algae than other crops currently being used to make oil for fuel:
- Corn: 18 gallons of oil, per acre, per year
- Palm: 800 gallons of oil, per acre, per year
- Vertical Algae: Estimated to be 33,000 gallons of oil, per acre, per year
The oil from algae can be used to make a variety of fuels including jet fuel and diesel.
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