Are algae-based fuels, chemicals and materials sustainable?

The National Research Council released a report titled “Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels in the United States” (access it here) – and from the reaction in the media and elsewhere, it was easy to form the impression that, in fact, two studies were released with different conclusions.

“Biofuels from algae unsustainable, US study finds,” reported the headline in the Sydney Morning Herald. “Algae biofuel not sustainable now-U.S. research council” said Reuters. “Report questions the sustainability of algal biofuel,” reported Nature.com.

…Full Text: www.biofuelsdigest.com/biobased/2012/10/25/are-algae-based-fuels-chemicals-and-materials-sustainable/

Tags: sustainable development, barrier, freshwater, algae production, saline water, nutrients, phosphorus, nitrogen, phosphorus problem, recycle, recovery, land use, Energy ROI, Energy Return on Investment (EROI), GHG emissions lifecycle, photosynthesis, Renewable Fuel Standard