Seaweed as biomass energy alternative

The Tech Herald
by Rich Bowden - Oct 26 2008, 21:59

Current arguments over the use of valuable agricultural land to grow food for biofuels could be resolved by the potential of seaweed farms say Scottish scientists.

A study by the Scottish Association for Marine Science for The Crown Estate recommended trial seaweed and algae farms be set up to investigate the potential use of marine biomass as an alternative energy source. Such an approach would resolve the problem of a dwindling supply of food crops being grown on land, a situation which has contributed to food shortages and rising food prices say experts.

Prof Mike Cowling, science and research manager at The Crown Estate, said harnessing seaweed as an alternative form of energy was "...particularly efficient and reliable".

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