Hawaii scientists see algae's 'green' potential

Friday, June 13, 2008
Pacific Business News (Honolulu) - by Nanea Kalani Pacific Business News

The search for "green" alternatives to fossil fuels has turned some Hawaii entrepreneurs into farmers.

Their crop is algae, an abundant and renewable source for biofuel with a rapid growth rate and high oil yield.

Helping them is Hawaii's climate, where sun and water offer an ideal environment for algae farming.

At least two Hawaii biotech firms are focused on researching and developing algae strains for biofuel production. And a third is looking to set up on the Big Island later this year.
Biofuel, which refers to clean-burning fuels made from vegetable oils or animal fats, can be used to run cars, planes and power plants.

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