[natureguy]

Originally Posted by rvanderlely

The idea of using otherwise barren areas for fuel production is a good one and though more difficult than growing crops on fertile ground, I think this is an area that will soon have to be expanded.

Not for jathropha. It grows ideally in barren lands. Needs less water and even lesser care. Gives fruits after 2-3 years & lasts for around 6-7 years.

Originally Posted by rvanderlely

I see no reason why algae can't be grown in artificial ponds on otherwise barren ground. Sure fresh water is an issue, but with some electricity we can make salt water fresh enough for the job. Now, we have salt water, the sun and solar technology...let me see if I can join the dots together...

Check this out:

Leading global air carriers Air New Zealand, Continental, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and biofuel technology developer UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, have announced they will be the first wave of aviation-related members to join the newly formed Algal Biomass Organization (ABO). Together with Boeing, which co-chairs the ABO, the airlines are advocating for the identification and acceleration of new generations of fuel sources for the industry that have lower life cycle carbon emissions; in this case sustainable algae-based biofuels.

“There is significant interest across multiple sectors in the potential of algae as an energy source and nowhere is that more evident than in aviation,” said Billy Glover, ABO co-chair and managing director of Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Air transportation is a vital contributor to global economic prosperity, but is being threatened by record rises in fuel costs. Together we recognize that algae have the potential to help offset those fuel costs, while also contributing to improved environmental performance for the aviation industry.”

“Algae really could be a solution to help airlines produce lower carbon emissions. Crucially, it is a source of fuel which doesn't lead to deforestation or the taking away of land or water from the cultivation of essential food crops,” said Virgin Atlantic President, Sir Richard Branson.

To effectively address a high volume of claims being made regarding algae and its potential, 400 leading global algae experts established the Algal Biomass Organization to advocate for viable algae markets and technologies. Unlike other second-generation biofuel options, algae will require technological breakthroughs to become viable and the ABO will provide a single, collective voice regarding ongoing efforts.

Algae have shown significant potential to address some of the world’s most pressing issues, such as climate and pollution concerns including carbon emission reductions, alternative fuel sources and global economic development. As one of the fastest growing and most productive plants in the world, the unique characteristics of algae enable them to be developed for a number of uses:

- Carbonyatra.com