Biofuels limitations and opportunities

22) It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?

1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: (b)  2 and 3

Explanation:

Statement 1: Algaculture (farming algae) can be initiated on land unsuitable for agriculture or saline water or wastewater. So, 1 is wrong.

Statement 2: Producing algae for bio-fuels (excluding simple seaweed production) requires significant capital investments, which is a significant barrier in developing countries which are already fund starved and short in investments.

Producing biofuels from algae is still in a pre-commercial state of technology development because of its high capital and operating costs. Most production plants are prototypes. The development and engineering of these plants requires a high level of expertise.

Statement 3: Change in land use pattern, from farm land to algal biofuel reduces the amount of food production. This may reduce food availability, resulting in increased cost for both food and fuel produced. This might result in ecological as well as economic concern.