GoodFuels

Algae for ethanol in Texas

According to the Detroit News, Dow Chemical announced yesterday plans to build a biorefinery that would use algae to convert carbon dioxide into ethanol fuel.

The company hopes to replace carbon dioxide in common plastic products like milk jugs if the technology is successful.

Through a partnership with Algenol Biofuels — a startup in Bonita Springs, Fla. — Dow hopes to create a breakthrough process to produce ethanol, a building block for other chemicals. Ethanol is a key ingredient in polyethylene, the most widely used of all plastics, which is found in everyday products, from food packaging to pipes. The chemical also is used in runway deicers, polyester for textiles, and paints.

The move could have significant implications for Detroit’s automakers, according to Algenol Chief Executive Paul Woods. Woods said he already has met with representatives from Ford Motor Co. to discuss manufacturing more vehicles that would use ethanol. The algae-generated ethanol is compatible with technology in use.

The article goes on to mention that the algae-based fuel’s price would be more consistent, selling for $1 per gallon.

Speaking about ethanol, Algenol Chief Executive Paul Woods said “if we can produce a gallon cheaper than any foreign producer, it’s enough to eliminate OPEC producers. We want a low, long-term, stable price that the consumer can rely on.”

Sounds like a job for ethanol.