THIS is one biofuel that lives up to its green billing in more
ways than one. It's an emerald-green crude oil, produced by
photosynthesis in algae, which could fuel cars, trucks and
aircraft - without consuming crops that can be used as food.
"This product can go right into today's oil pipeline," claims
Jason Pyle of Sapphire Energy in San Diego, California, which
developed the fuel. He says the "green crude" is similar in
quality to naturally occurring crude oil. It is produced as a
by-product of photosynthesis by a genetically engineered strain
of algae, housed in tanks of treated waste-water and exposed to
sunlight. The tanks can be placed on non-arable land. Gasoline,
diesel and jet fuel have already been refined from the green
crude, and the company aims to produce 10,000 barrels per day
within five years. To continue reading this article, subscribe
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