Biofuel Companies Attack Algae Study
Sindya N. Bhanoo
In a face-off between academia and industry, algae biofuel companies have made a joint statement decrying recent research that highlights algae’s drawbacks.
A study citing limitations of algae fuel production is being widely assailed by algae producers.
The research, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, found that algae production can be energy intensive and can end up emitting more greenhouse gases than it sequesters.
In response, the Algal Biomass Assocation, a trade organization of companies involved with developing algae biofuels, said the researchers used old and outdated data.
“We appreciate and support the interest in algae among the scientific community, and agree that examination of the life cycle impacts of algae for fuel processes is important,” said Mary Rosenthal, the executive director of the group, in the written statement.
“However, we expect such research to be based on current information, valid assumptions and proven facts. Unfortunately, this report falls short of those standards with its use of decades old data and errant assumptions of current production and refining technologies.”
One industry member said that while the University of Virginia research was conducted in a sound fashion, it was extremely outdated.
