Algae as Biofuel Still Rough Around the Edges

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The ABO invoking "new algae technology" is a bit of a cop-out; the paper actually goes after the impact of algae mostly on first principles, and besides most new algae tech is proprietary, so we have no way of knowing if it will make a difference.
There are, however, some serious oversights in the paper, that ultimately reverse its much-touted results.
Read about my analysis of Clarens' analysis here:
http://draaronwolfbaum.wordpress.com
thanks so much.

Aaron Baum of CA 5:58PM February 08, 2010

Actually, Dr. Clarens' research team has been doing some orignal research, including working with industry on projects such as growing algae in industrial waste impoundments and using municipal treatment plant effluent, even using the algae to scrub CO2 from exhaust gases. All work, but they don't work well enough to compete with fossil fuels. The space, water and input energy requirements all matter and all are challenges. John Sheehan's comment about the "silver bullet" is right on the mark.

Tom Ballou of TX 10:36AM January 29, 2010

Too bad the UVA study relied on 20 year-old data and neglects to consider any of the current algae technologies on the market. This is like trying to critique the primetime lineup by looking at a TV Guide from the '90s.
This report has been if not debunked that seriously questioned in most other news publications. The reporter should have done a little more diligence and spoken to some other sources - maybe algae companies - instead of propping up the research team and using a 15 year-old failed NREL program to substantiate the merit of today's algae biofuel industry.

Tim of CA 8:12PM January 27, 2010