Seaweed as biomass energy alternative

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".

"Given Scotland's rugged western coastline and island groups, and relatively clean seas, it is sensible to examine the farming of seaweeds and sustainable harvesting of natural supplies as a source of energy, to heat our homes and fuel our vehicles."

"Heating and transport make up around three quarters of our energy use so it's vital that we find new ways of meeting that demand. Extracting energy from seaweed is a particularly efficient and reliable method of producing green energy, and the growing of seaweed could have positive impact on local marine biodiversity," Prof Cowling said.

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