Microalgae Laboratory

Here I have picture on microalgae laboratory. I got this picture from one of research center in my country. This algae is used as biodiesel feedstock, the same as Jatropha. Here's the picture

Click image for larger view

It is said that algae has higher potential than any other energy crops. This article is a good source for alga culture.

Jatropha curcas

Talking about biodiesel, I remember Jatropha curcas plant. This plant claimed to be prospective plant to produce biodiesel. After some promotion indeed this plant can be a good alternative for palm oil. Palm oil is edible but Jatropha oil is non-edible oil so it can't be eaten. Is it? well I've heard there are non toxic Jatropha. They said Jatropha can live in arid/semi arid land where there is no other plant can produce. I do not say can't grow because I know there are, like grass. If it is true then farmers will get additional income from this.
Above is Jatropha curcas field in my country. I got this picture when I went there some times ago. I'll post another picture when I found another one :p

Biodiesel

Biodiesel refers to a non-petroleum-based diesel fuel consisting of short chain alkyl (methyl or ethyl) esters, made by transesterification of vegetable oil or animal fat (tallow), which can be used (alone, or blended with conventional petrodiesel) in unmodified diesel-engine vehicles[1].
This liquid fuel, diesel like, is prospective to be developed. Biodiesel also has advantages compared to petroleum-based diesel:

• Environmentally friendly because has better emission than petrodiesel (free sulphur, low smoke number)
• higher cetane number (>57) thus has better burning efficiency compared to crude oil
• Have lubricant effect on engine's piston
• renewable energy
• biodegradable[2]
  

[1]wikipedia
[2]Teknologi bioenergi