Biofuels: Promising Uses and Pitfalls

Hydrogen from Algae Genetically modified algae could be efficient producers of hydrogen and biofuels. is an article touting the potential utility of algea as a source of both hydrogen and oil. The idea would be to genetically engineer algae so as to develop strains which are chlorophyll-deficient. The deficiency would allow sunlight to penetrate more deeply allowing deeper algae layers to take advantage of the sunlight. Algae is already known to be easily handled and easily grown.

A second article, Biofuels Are Bad for Feeding People and Combating Climate Change, debunks the ecologically popular idea of using food as a source of energy through its conversion to fuel. The conversion process is energy intensive and consumes a significant amount of energy in order to create a fuel intended to be an energy source. Surely not a good strategy. In addition it removes a food source which drives up the price of food as less of it is available for consumer consumption. Going green does not eliminate the need for wise approaches to problem solving.