Algae power goes practical. A pair of Missouri universities and electric companies plan to use the carbon dioxide pollution from coal-fired power plants for algae growth that could be further processed for biofuel.This project plans to employ a relatively small portion of carbon emissions for growth of algae.The science behind the use of algae for biofuel processing has been around for some time .From 1978 to 1996, the U.S. Department of Energy funded a program at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., to develop renewable transportation fuels from algae.However of late there has been a renewed effort into finding eco-friendly ways of cultivating the same , to mitigate environmental damage.
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Algae Power From Carbon Emissions in Missouri
Srikant Rajan -
Pump the Wind Under The Ground
Srikant RajanYou had solar energy without the sun , how about wind energy when there is no wind ? A new Jersey company is trying to find a method for trapping wind based power in underground reservoirs.This process involves using excess power from the grid at times of low demand , such as in the night and using it to pump air into underground caverns.During periods of higher demand , this air is released and heated to run air expansion turbines.Michael Nakhamkin , pioneer of storage techniques says “ This technology significantly reduces fuel oil and natural gas consumption “. Nakhamkin adds , that this methods uses of fossil fuels results in low emissions compared to traditional turbine systems.
Now here is yet another add on to power grid after plug in hybrids.I am inclined to say that this process merely delays the carbon emissions , its impact on the reduction front is very low.
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Shell To Develop Biofuels
Srikant RajanRoyal Dutch Shell has entered into an alliance with Iogen Corporation for accelerating development of second generation cellulosic ethanol. Iogen demonstration plant was opened in 2004 in Ottawa and now Shell plans to contribute to further Iogen’s feasibility and design assessment work.Shell also plans to develop “ next generation “ biofuels using materials such as wheat straw that offer upto 90% reduction in carbon emissions as compared to conventional gasoline.
Shell’s VP ,Dr. Graeme Sweeney, said “ This is a strong statement that Shell is committed to accelerating the development of cellulosic ethanol in collaboration with Iogen. We have come a long way together already on this particular technology pathway for sustainable biofuel and we will be working ever closer to meet the technical and commercial challenges facing larger scale production “
