Algae has been sought out as a source for fuel since the 1950s.  At that time experiments were being started to see if converting algae to fuel could run cars efficiently.  In the late 70’s when the fuel crisis was creating long lines at gas stations, studies to see whether or not algae was a viable alternative to fossil fuel began in earnest, funded by government and private money.

As the fuel crisis of the 70s and 80s ended, memories shortened and money for fuel research dried up in favor of other studies, algae research slowed to a near halt.  However, with the fuel crisis looming its head again, there has been a tremendous interest in algae as an alternative source of bio-fuel.

While researchers have been looking for methods of using algae for cars, there has also been research to help find alternatives for airlines and the military, who are also troubled by the same fuel issues that everyone else is.  It looks as if one company, Solazyme, has found an alternative that will work.

Solazyme has been researching an algae-based alternative to jet fuel and has created an alternative that passes the ASTM’s standards.  It is the first algae-based bio-kerosene fuel and could be used for jets both commercially and in the military, which would provide solutions to problems for both.

This algae-based fuel has the same properties as regular jet fuel.  It also has an advantage over other bio-fuels in that most bio-fuels freeze at high altitudes, but algae-based bio-fuel does not freeze at high altitudes.  Algae-based jet fuel also has the same density that regular jet fuel has, which makes it a truly viable choice, since none of the alternative jet fuels produced matches in density – not even ones derived from coal or natural gas.

It will take time to bring the fuel to market for widespread use.  At present it is more expensive to produce than fuel that is currently used.  Also, building a plant or plants to create and produce the algae-based fuel is a huge expense and will take time to do.  However, the good news is that this fuel, when ready, will not hurt the planet, especially the rainforests, and the rest of the good news is that researchers are making progress toward eliminating dependence on expensive foreign oil, which will put air travel in reach again.