In the past decade, there has been an extreme search for new fuel sources that are abundant, viable and environmentally sound. There have been many suggestions, but to the dismay of many they haven’t quite stuck or been good enough to replace petroleum. However, in CleanTechnica news they report that the algae biofuel company called OriginOil is set to burst into commercial production. As a result, there will likely be more green jobs added to the United Sates if it succeeds.
Algae biofuel is a possible replacement for petroleum in the production of crude oil. Harvested algae releases CO2 when burned, much like fossil fuel. The difference, however, is that the other algae that is growing absorbs the released CO2 and decreases the amount released into the atmosphere. Since it is a much more environmentally sound option, many companies and governmental agencies are trying to reduce the capital and operating costs to make algae fuel more commercially viable.
OriginOil is one of the leaders in algae biofuel production and helps algae growers convert the algae they have into renewable crude oil. They have just created a new partnership with algae grower Aquaviridis to introduce their “high tech algae oil extraction system to a facility in Mexicali, Mexico.” According to CleanTechnica, if the partnership is a success then OriginOil would then set up a network of algae farms in the southwestern U.S. that would greatly contribute to the green job market here.
In addition to adding green jobs, the success of OriginOil will also help to preserve already existing refinery jobs in the United States. As another added benefit, the algae that has already been used for the extraction of crude oil, known as “spent algae”, can be processed into a cattle feed supplement. With the amount of advantages algae biofuel provides, it should definitely be in the news more as of late. To learn more about the process and the apparent advantages and disadvantages, check out OriginOil. What do you think of this form of fuel and its impact on green jobs in the United States?
SOURCE: CleanTechnica
IMAGE: Courtesy of Green Options
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