(AZO Cleantech) Seaweed can be broadly termed as marine macroalgae, and belongs to one of the many groups of multicellular red, green and brown algae. Seaweed is widely used to produce vitamin supplements, cosmetics, plastics and animal feed in many parts of the world.
The importance of seaweed has skyrocketed ever since researchers managed to create a biofuel, ethanol, from it. Researchers believe that producing seaweed-based biofuel in the sea will take care of numerous issues caused by conventional fuels. Although seaweed farming has been in practice for 100s of years in Asia, researchers are focused on newer methods to grow seaweed.
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The Scottish Association for Marine Science operates a seaweed farm in a sea fjord, near Oban in Argyll.
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The research team plans to use a technically and economically practical textile substrate for growing seaweed, such that it will be able to endure marine conditions. At the moment different textiles such as meshes used in gardening and fine fabrics, are being tested.
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SES has successfully produced both ethanol and biomethane fuel during the test phase.
University of Victoria researcher, Aaron Philippsen recently presented a probable solution for British Columbia’s fuel supply which is currently being imported from other places. Philippsen has proposed farming seaweed along the length of British Columbia’s coastline for the production of ethanol, which would suffice for the fuel needs of the province. He wants to float large rafts in the ocean along the coastline to grow the seaweed.
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Researchers are looking to mechanize the process for large-scale seaweed production. They will also have to find cost-effective renewable energy processes for drying seaweed or else the overall costs will shoot up. READ MORE
Seaweed viable for biofuels in B.C., says UVic scientist (Victoria News)
Magic carpet grows seaweed as a bio-fuel (Herald Scotland)
From the Sea to the Pump: Is Kelp a Viable Biofuel? (Renewable Energy World.Com)
Seaweed biofuels: a green alternative that might just save the planet (The Guardian)
Breaking Barriers in the Seaweed Cultivation Industry (Our Daily Planet)