Biofuels from Algae

 Algae can provide a variety of fuels for transport, heating or electricity generation, including biodiesel, aviation fuel and biogas.  Algal biofuels are at an experimental stage and are more expensive than fossil fuels.  Algal biofuels could be made more costeffective by extracting other valuable products from algae or incorporating their production into waste water treatment.  Commercial production of biodiesel from algae is unlikely before 2020.  The use of seaweed for energy is being explored in the UK, particularly in Scotland.  Research efforts are currently focused on decreasing the cost of production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investigating the potential to grow algae in the UK.