In 2017, ExxonMobil, with Synthetic Genomics, announced they had used CRISPR gene-editing technology to make an algal strain that could pave the way to a low-carbon fuel and a sustainable future. ...
Does Exxon use biodiesel?
ExxonMobil is focused on advanced biofuels that do not compete with food or water supplies. ... Among many other benefits, algae can be used to manufacture biofuels similar in composition to today’s transportation fuels.
What research is being conducted on producing fuel from algae?
Researchers at Synthetic Genomics’ laboratory in La Jolla discovered a new process for increasing oil production by identifying a genetic switch that could be fine-tuned to regulate the conversion of carbon to oil in the algae species, Nannochloropsis gaditana.
What happened algae biofuels?
But the byproducts and scrap from algae can be easily buried as composting . ... Meanwhile, algae biofuels research and development is still alive, with a smaller amount of funding dedicated to plausibly breakthroughs, in both biology and engineering.
Is algae biofuel feasible?
Our research has found that the production of algal biofuels is neither commercially nor environmentally sustainable . ... In fact, the rate of production from algae growing in the vast ponds required for truly massive production is, for a given area of land, similar to that seen in the most productive areas of the ocean.
How efficient is algae biofuel?
Algae efficiently use CO 2 , and are responsible for more than 40% of the global carbon fixation , with the majority of this productivity coming from marine microalgae [14,15]. Algae can produce biomass very rapidly, with some species doubling in as few as 6 h, and many exhibiting two doublings per day [16,17].
Which algae is mostly used for hydrogen production?
Indirect photolysis. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are promising microorganisms for this. Advantages are hydrogen evolution is separated from oxygen evolution. It can also produce relatively higher hydrogen yields.
Is Exxon Synergy diesel good?
Exxon and Mobil SynergyTM gasoline
Vehicle testing showed an average fuel economy improvement of 2 percent . ... **Claims apply to Exxon and Mobil Synergy Diesel Efficient-branded fuel compared to diesel fuel without detergent additive.
What brand of diesel fuel is best?
Our top pick for the best diesel fuel additive is Hot Shot’s Secret Diesel Extreme . The product can be used on any diesel engine, and it can enhance the overall performance of your engine. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider the Howes Diesel Treat.
Is Exxon diesel efficient low sulfur?
Esso Diesel Efficient fuel with ultra-low sulfur level is compatible with today’s advanced emission after treatment systems including Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Exhaust Gas Recirculating (EGR), and Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) and Lean NOx Trap (LNT) technologies.
Why is algae biofuel so expensive?
The production cost is high because of the energy required to circulate gases and other materials inside the photo bioreactors where the algae grow . It also takes energy to dry out the biomass, and Solix uses far less water than other companies (see Cutting the Cost of Making Algae by 90%).
Are biofuels a good investment?
There has been a great deal of investment and hope placed in next-generation biofuels—cellulosic ethanol and other advanced plant- and waste-based fuels that could displace gasoline and diesel fuel in a big way without the resource constraints of ethanol.
Why is algae biofuel bad?
It requires too much fertilizer, too much water, and too much energy to produce at scale . ... And the industrial processes needed to actually convert microalgae into fuel could actually cause a net energy loss: Algae could take up to 53 percent more energy to produce than it would offer as a biofuel.
What are the pros and cons of using algae as biofuel?
- A Renewable Resource. Unlike coal, natural gas and petroleum, oil derived from algae is a renewable resource. ...
- Algae Biodiesel is Carbon Dioxide Neutral. ...
- Efficient Land Use. ...
- High Water Use. ...
- High Fertilizer Use. ...
- High Cost of Algae Biodiesel.
Can you make fuel from algae?
Microorganisms, such as algae, can be turned into biofuel through the extraction of fatty acid contained in biomolecules known as lipids. ... This biomass is then placed into a solvent, which separates out the oil-rich lipids and produces a precursor to biocrude oil.
Do algae produce oxygen?
Like most plants, many algae produce oxygen during the daylight as a by-product of photosynthesis .
