Biofuels (broadcast Friday, February 8th, 2008)

A scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory tests ponds containing microalgae bred for high lipid (oil) content. Warren Gretz, NREL

When US politicians talk about biofuels, most of the time they are talking about ethanol made from fermenting corn. However, there are many other types of biofuels, including biodiesel from algae and cellulosic ethanol technology. In this hour, Ira and guests talk about various approaches to biofuels and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Two new studies published this week in the journal Science suggest that growing additional biofuel crops might actually increase the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere, especially if existing forests or grasslands need to be cleared for biofuel farming. Do the fuels make sense from an environmental -- and economic -- standpoint?

video courtesy Fields of Fuel / Solazyme

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