Science has been trying its best to help out and contribute to the well-being of Mother Nature. It’s been working effortlessly on preserving endangered animals and ecosystems. It’s also been doing its part in trying to keep our air clean and free from pollution. For the latter, it looks like science came up with a breakthrough that will give us an alternative source of fuel that will help in achieving this goal.

Solazyme, a California biotech firm has been able to produce alternative fuel derived from the oil of Algae. As we all know, Algae (or better yet, seaweeds) grow in abundance around the world. According to research, the algae feed on carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. That in itself already contributes to the well-being of the environment. Dubbed Soladiesel by the Solazyme, the company tested its fuel on a Mercedes Benz C320 diesel which they paraded around Park City during the Sundance Festival. The test drive was done during this event in line with the release of the film “Fields of Fuel” directed by Josh Tickell. The film mentioned Solazyme and their part in working on renewable fuel.

“Our technology combines all the key components: low carbon footprint, environmental sustainability, certified compatibility with existing vehicles and infrastructure and energy security for our country,” said Solazyme president Harris Dillon.

Solazyme’s target date for Soladiesel to be available for commercial use is in the next three years. In order to achieve this goal, the company has partnered with Chevron Technology Ventures to assist in the production of the algae-based fuel. Since October of last year, Chevron has been working on trying to develop ways in order to efficiently cultivate and produce oil from algae.

However in order for this to be taken seriously and used by consumers, the developers of the Soladiesel must ensure that the price tag of the algae-based oil will be easy on the pocket once it becomes available in the market. It also needs to ensure that it will have the capabilities to mass produce the oil in case it becomes the top-of-mind oil for people to use.

Given that the production of eco-friendly fuels are starting to boom (some fuels are already being manufactured from sugar canes, grains, etc), do you think this will make a difference at all?

Sources: Kicking Tires, Wired Blog Network