Due to the global importance of replacing non-renewable and mineral sources of energy with natural renewable counterparts, the potential of bio diesel production can be made economical by growing Algae (Kai) in marginal land, in saline water or in the waste water ponds. The amount of land requirement for growing algae is also minimal as compared to other oil yielding crops. There are a number of species of Algae identified, which are suitable to our climatic conditions of Pakistan. Algae having good oil yield can be grown and harvested very quickly. In addition, algae can produce up to 50 times more oil than ordinary oilseeds. Oil content (% of dry weight) varies between 15% to 70% for algal biomass being cultivated on wastewater streams near power stations.
ALGAE BIO FUEL FUTURE ENERGY ...
it is necessary to develop a focused program for harnessing renewable energy in developing countries like Pakistan. At present the crude oil price in the world is around US$ 120/Barrel. One renewable and pollution free energy source is bio diesel fuel produced from vegetable oils, which are non-edible like Jatropha (Jamal Gota), Pongame (Sukh Chain) and Castor (Arhand).
ALGAE PRODUCTION PLANT ...
Algal bio diesel resource requirement is land, water and CO2; this can support bio diesel production and CO2 savings. Thus the scientists believe that the “Algae absorbs pollution & gives us oil “for bio diesel production and during bio diesel production glycerin is obtained as by valuable by-product, whose market price is Rs. 170/liter. Algae farms could also be constructed to use waste water as a food source for algae production. By using waste water as a nutrient source, these farms essentially also provide a means of recycling nutrients from fertilizer to food to waste and back to fertilizer. The castor oil yield is 1413 liters/hectare; while the oil yield from Algae is 10000 liters/hectare. The advantages of Algal growth are:
Algae can create 5,000-20,000 gallons of oil per acre per year, far in excess of palm oil which yields a paltry 635 gallons despite being one of the best crops presently for bio diesel production. But being edible Palm oil cannot be used as a raw material for bio diesel considering the fact that its production can easily encroach upon fertile farm land (it cannot be grown on marginal land). Algae can also be economically converted into solid fuels, methane gas, or bio-ethanol. It can also be used to generate electricity which in turn can be used to obtain hydrogen fuel to power hydrogen fuel cells. Another advantage is that algae can even be fed on liquid human sewage and on streams polluted by fertilizer run off reducing pollution.