State should explore algae based bio-diesel

A recent article on C-Net discuses a venture funded start-up called Green Fuels Technologies Corporation. Green Fuels has develop an algae bio-reactor that extracts harmful emissions from power plants and can be used to produce bio-diesel as well as fertilizer and animal feed. We should be looking at ways to bring innovative technologies such as this to Milwaukee. We should be encouraging We Energies to build bio-reactors on its coal and fuel-oil power plants.

Quoting from one of Green Fuel's white papers:

"In October 2004, a report from the testing firm CK Environmental indicated that during a measuringperiod of 7 days, the bioreactors reduced nitrogen oxides by 85.9% (+/-2.1%); the bioreactors reduced CO2 by 82.3% (+/-12.5%) on sunny days, and by 50.1% (+/-6.5%)on overcast or rainydays. The test method used conforms to the standards imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Previous systems using algae managed to reduce CO2 emissions by 5% and NOxemissions by 70%. The system can be used in latitudes where solar exposure is weak, albeit with relatively reduced efficiency."

Here is an example of how technology can be harnessed to build a sustainable society. Political leadership should encourage technologies that can create a clean and sustainable economy for future generations.

Think globally. Act Locally.