The quest for alternative fuel is taking man in all directions. While it is understandable that he is using every possible source to meet his energy needs, I’m still amazed at the dimensions that he deals with. Human beings as a race it seems have great fascination for things that are astronomically huge (like the sun & the stars) or microscopically small (nuclear energy). While harnessing the energy from the sun does not involve handling of anything huge, the attempt to harness energy from microscopic dimensions has surely posed a problem.
But growing research has shown us that energy need not be always harnessed from the tiny nucleus of atoms. In fact, it has shown us that we can draw energy from those millions of micro organisms that we blame for all our ailments. Cyanobacteria are being cited as a major source of bio-fuel in near future. Cultivation of this micro organism in a large scale would actually not only provide enough bio fuel feedstock. The organisms not only act as fuel stock but also produce Oxygen by using up Carbon Dioxide. Hence using them as fuel stock is of immense help to the environment in every aspect.
According to the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University,
The renewable technology holds significant promise, with an estimated high biomass-to-fuel yield. Furthermore, because the bacteria are dependent upon carbon dioxide for growth, a more environmentally friendly and potentially carbon neutral energy source is feasible. The small footprint needed for bacterial biofuel production allows the technology to be placed adjacent to power generating stations and the utilization of flue gas as a carbon source.
Cyanomodels in packets:
These micro organisms are being packed into a convenient pipes & tubes that would be exposed to sun to act both as biofuel stock & also to produce Oxygen. Here is a win-win technology in the fuel industry.
