MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With growing energy demand, depletion of fossil fuel resources and looming CO2 emission regulations, the development of alternative carbon neutral energy sources is increasingly important. Recently algae have been at the center of attention, as the lipid producing organisms are been hailed as having the potential to resolve problems that emerged with first and second generation biofuel technologies. Today, SRI Consulting (SRIC) published its techno-economic review, Biodiesel from Algae, which analyzes the technology and economics of biodiesel production by a heterotrophic microalgae process where algae utilize glucose as a fixed carbon source.

First and second generation biofuels raised concerns of using food crops for fuel and problems with waste collection and disposal. Algae as a biofuel are believed to have resolved these issues. Because of the immense potential that algae biodiesel technology offers, many companies have entered the market. Government is supporting the technology with research grants and tax incentives.

SRIC consultant and author Sudeep Vaswani commented, "Micro-algae are highly productive compared to conventional biofuels sources. Commercialization of this emerging biofuel source offers the potential to dramatically reduce the amount of CO2 released each year." Dr. Vaswani continued, "Algae seems to be the perfect biofuel, yet at a projected cost of $10 a gallon it's a bit prohibitive."

SRIC's Biodiesel from Algae review presents the technology and economics of a projected production of 30 million gallons/year (100,000 tons/year) of biodiesel from microalgae. This review will be of interest to biodiesel producers, technologists, investors, and government policy makers.

For additional information on Biodiesel from Algae, contact RJ Chang, SRIC's PEP Director at rchang@sriconsulting.com +1 650 384 4307, or visit the website at www.sriconsulting/com/PEP.

About SRI Consulting

SRI Consulting (SRIC) is the world's leading business research service for the global chemical industry. Publishing for almost 60 years, SRI Consulting is the preeminent source for in-depth business and process analysis. This review was developed by the Process Economics Program (PEP) group providing in-depth, independent technical and economic evaluation of both commercial and emerging technologies for the chemical and energy industries. SRI Consulting's headquarters are located in Menlo Park, California with offices in The Woodlands, Texas; ZĂĽrich, Switzerland; Tokyo, Japan; and Beijing, China. SRI Consulting is a division of Access Intelligence, LLC. Additional Information is available at www.sriconsulting.com.

SRI Consulting (SRIC) is a trade name and a registered trademark of SRI International, used under license.