http://www.voanews.com/content/researchers-test-algae-biofuel-in-hong-kong-/1864627.html
[On-line article includes video.]
Researchers Test Algae Biofuel in Hong Kong
March 05, 2014
HONG KONG — Scientists in Hong Kong are testing the use of micro algae
to clean water waste and produce fuel.
The technology is still too expensive to be broadly developed, but
researchers are asking for the government's support in protecting
homegrown biofuel against cheaper, foreign competition.
Environmental scientist Ho Kin-Chung from the Open University of Hong
Kong says the process of turning algae into energy uses the intrinsic
qualities of the plant.
“Algae contains a high quantity of oil and that amount effectively
extracted can be refined into very good gasoline, as well as biodiesel
and that would be economically very useful,” he said.
For decades, scientists have been looking into biofuels, which use
plants as an energy source, as an alternative to petroleum-based fuel.
Despite the huge potential, there is some debate about the impact
certain types of biofuel have on land and water resources.
Algae is seen as an attractive choice because it is easy to cultivate,
doesn't require much land and can be grown in sea water without using
agriculture and drinking water.
Ho says the technology is solid, but it is not yet cost effective. In
the market, he says, algae biofuel has to compete with traditional fuels
like petroleum or natural gas, which are 30 to 40 percent cheaper.
“We have to consider how to reduce costs, but if we are able to couple
the fuel with the sewage treatment we can make it more attractive,” Ho said.
Algae feeds on nitrogen and phosphorous, nutrients which are in excess
and need to be removed from waste water. In March, Ho plans tol apply
for a $1.3 million grant from the government for a pilot scheme at a
water waste treatment plant in Hong Kong.
“Algae is a good idea, but they have a long way to go," said Steve Choi,
executive director of Dynamic Progress International, one of the first
companies in Hong Kong to commercialize biofuels. "Also they need to
change the genes, and you need mass production, in order to cut down the
costs. Initially the product would be very expensive."
Dynamic Progress International has been making biodiesel from used
cooking oil. At the moment, the company is testing energy-efficient
stoves for the Hong Kong and Japanese market.
“Hong Kong can really help," Choi said. "It is a financial city so it is
easy to raise money and it is transparent, but we need the support of
the Hong Kong government, not just for the research, but a comprehensive
program, funding, build a reputation, test the product, all this needs
to be part of the program.”
With more than 200 million liters of fuel consumed every day, Choi says,
the Hong Kong government should be the one to test local biofuels in its
day-to-day operations.
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