Scientists have extensively been researching the usefulness of algae as a biofuel, and results have proven it to be capable of being turned into one. It is necessary to edge away from our dependence on nonrenewable energy sources, such as coal and oil, in favor of greener, renewable fuel sources. Algae is ideal for this because mass amounts of it can be produced in small spaces in order to satisfy high fuel demands. Unlike other biofuels, like ethanol made from corn and biodiesel made from soybeans, great amounts of algae based biofuel can be produced efficiently in a small area since algae is very versatile and can be grown in various types of water ranging from wastewater to brackish water in small plots. Additionally, a biofuel made from algae would burn far cleaner than traditional fossil fuel based sources because it produces much less carbon emissions when burned, as well as the fact that the algae consumes CO2 when growing and living for use in photosynthesis. Currently, researchers are considering a strain of algae called Nannochloropis gaditana as a potentially viable fuel source since it can be produced at an industrial scale and contains the necessary lipid levels to function as a biofuel.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403153602.htm
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