The economics of producing biodiesel from algae
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for conventional diesel that is made from natural plant oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oils. This paper discusses the economics of producing biodiesel fuel from algae grown in open ponds. There is potential for large-scale production of biodiesel from algal farms on non-arable land; however, previous studies have failed to demonstrate an economically viable process that could be scalable to a commercialized industry. The problems include inconsistent and insufficient algal productivities, uncertain capital and operating costs, volatile market prices and unknown levels of government support. Although intensive work is being done on many technological issues, the economic studies and data are incomplete and out of date. This paper presents an updated financial analysis of the production and economic conditions that could have a profound effect on the success of this important alternative fuel production process.
Year of publication: |
2011
|
---|---|
Authors: | Gallagher, Brian J. |
Published in: |
Renewable Energy. - Elsevier, ISSN 0960-1481. - Vol. 36.2011, 1, p. 158-162
|
Publisher: |
Elsevier |
Subject: | Renewable fuels | Algae | Biodiesel | Economics | Net present value | Return on investment |
Saved in:
Online Resource
Saved in favorites
Similar items by subject
-
Return on investment for undergraduate education in actuarial science
Aggarwal, Pushkar, (2013)
-
Aggregate return on investment for investments under uncertainty
Magni, Carlo Alberto, (2015)
-
Biofuels in the U.S. – Challenges and Opportunities
Hoekman, S. Kent, (2009)
- More ...