Algae-powered cars:
Science fiction or science?
Say algae, and most people think of those unpleasant green organisms
found in swimming pools and fish tanks. But to the scientists and
engineers of ExxonMobil, algae conjure something far more appealing:
Opportunity. Why? Because algae can create renewable energy while
absorbing CO2.
The energy from algae might someday produce biofuels that are
compatible with those made from conventional crude oil. That’s
why ExxonMobil is committed to a major long-term research and
development program aimed at developing algae as a viable fuel
source. Unlike other biofuel sources such as corn and sugar cane,
algae do not compete with our food supply. And because they
consume CO2, algae could help reduce greenhouse gases.
ExxonMobil is partnering with Synthetic Genomics Inc., pioneers in
biotechnology, on this groundbreaking research effort. Our goal is to
produce biofuels from algae in the future to supplement the fuels we
use in our vehicles today, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Algae have never looked so inviting.
exxonmobil.com
Joe Weissman
Scientist
