Cape Innovations in Alternative Fuel Research

Kwon Faith

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The Cape Cod Times reported recently that “Dealing with the Cape’s pond scum could prove to be a financial windfall.” Yes, algae-based biodiesel is being explored as the next big alternative to fossil fuels, right here on the Cape.

A Wellfleet based alternative-energy company called Plankton Power has begun collaboration with the military, government, oil industry and research organizations to initiate construction and production of an algae farm and biorefinery on the Massachusetts Military Reservation.

It was reported that the seaweed and algae we see floating around the waters have a much higher purpose than just annoying swimmers, boaters and fishermen. Algae converts into a biodiesel with a composition nearly identical to that of petroleum diesel, but is more efficient, produces lower emissions, degrades quickly and is not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. It is even purported to perform better than traditional diesel, especially in lower temperatures.

While it does cost more to convert algae into biodiesel, the production rate is higher than even soybean or canola (three weeks as opposed to six months). The hurdle they face now is proving this method will be cost effective.

Efforts in the area of algae-based biodiesel research are already in progress in, of all places, Iowa, and Exxon Mobil is even investigating the economic aspects of algae biodiesel.

With all the attention alternative energy sources have garnered lately, this is one method that has yet to be fully explored, and still another step in reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign resources.