Sayre: Midwest Summers Conducive for Algae Growth
Dr. Richard Sayre of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center conducted an interview stating that Midwest summers are more conducive for algae growth than regions like the American Southwest.
Sayre says cost is one of the biggest issues to overcome as algae biodiesel right now costs about $4 a gallon. But he believes that with some better technology, in the ponds and in the actual algae cells, that cost could be down to just $2 a gallon… comparable to non-renewable petroleum. And Sayre says algae doesn’t have to be grown in the Midwest, where winters are tougher than more algae-traditional areas, such as the desert areas of the American Southwest. The more moderate summers of the Midwest are actually more conducive to algae growth, and the area obviously has more water, vital for algae. Finally, Sayre says there are techniques, such as harvesting the CO2 and heat from coal-powered plants to keep the ponds clear of ice even in the coldest of winters.
The article also includes an audio clip of Sayre so take a listen if you have a chance.
