A Sea Change For Biofuels : Peak Oil, Fresh Water Shortages, and Food Challenges Are Driving Innovations in Aquatic Feedstocks

Algae/Other Aquatic Organisms/Seaweed, Feedstock, Feedstocks, Field/Orchard/Plantation Crops/Residues, International, R & D Focus, Sustainability

May 12, 2010

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by Will Thurmond (Biofuels Digest) As we enter a new decade in 2010, leagues of prescient scientists , businessmen, politicians, commodity traders, defense hawks, activists, NGOs and social entrepreneurs are taking on future challenges by invoking ancient wisdom. Necessity is the mother of invention. A sea change is coming to the global energy, food and water industries, bringing a new wave of opportunities for feedstock development.

…How can aquatic feedstock systems help to solve these interconnected energy, food, fuel challenges? One solution is emerging from salt-tolerant feedstocks such as seaweed, sea asparagus, algae, and lemna, that can grow in brackish water, saltwater and desert areas, saving freshwater and arable land for vital resources.

Many salt-tolerant aquatic feedstocks are also used for bioremediation to treat wastewater, yielding freshwater and sanitation benefits. Several aquatic feedstocks and varieties are now being further developed as sustainable, alternative sources for biofuels, food, feed, and fiber. READ MORE

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