subject: Uk's Top Profs' Come Together [print this page] Top boffins are set to unite in the UK with the aim of finding an effective solution to the countries fuel problems. The issue has been bubbling around for sometime but with some scientists already setting a date when fossil fuels will run out the government is very keen to find a solution. The big idea came and it was to create Biofuel from algae which will be much more environmentally friendly saving 160 million tonnes of CO2 every year. After an X-factor like process to determine who indeed would be involved with this dream team and which institutions are to be selected the men were finally chosen.
The Carbon Trust is responsible for this initiative that could see a formula created that will cultivate 70 billion litres of algae Biofuel over a single year by 2030. It is believed that by using algae there is the potential produce 5 to 10 times more oil per hectare than we can currently using typical Biofuel's. The Carbon Trust also believes that this process could save 80% when compared to fossil fuel and jet fuel.
So if we have this new revolutionary fuel what are the price implications? Well currently the prices flying around are $5 to $10 a litre for algae biodiesel though the Carbon Trust themselves are looking at a much more cost effective methods of production with the aim of reducing costs to eventually around $1 per litre. It sounds like the initial costs of what could be a revolutionary discovery will be very off putting, so much so the numbers of bikes sales might see a huge increasing during the introduction of algae based Biofuel. Of course it won't be too long until the convenience of cars will be too much for commuters to give up, but the majority of people will be put off by the high prices not only out of principle but more so because many won't be able to afford it.
It seems the prices of every revolutionary discovers has a dramatic effect on the pockets of the general public, when will there be an invention or solution to environmental issues that doesn't have a strong economic backlash? Electric cars perhaps, maybes they are the best way to avoid all the mega costs that are diminishing personal funds of every UK resident. Time is the only way we can tell if this new algae Biofuel is indeed the way forward both environmentally and economically.
