Energy 101: Algae-to-fuels

Erin R. Pierce, U.S. Department of Energy

This video is from the Energy 101 video series. It explains the process for converting micro-algae into fuel and makes the case that algae-based biofuels hold enormous potential for helping reduce our dependence on imported oil.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Students could also make biofuel in class; one such lesson from the CLEAN collection is [link http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education/pdfs/biomass_creatingbiodiesel.pdf]
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that 17 percent of the United States' imported oil for transportation could be replaced with homegrown, algae-based biofuels. This video gives a very basic review of the process of converting algae into biofuel and algae's potential for helping reduce our dependence on imported oil. Comments from expert scientist: Video contains basic information without depth and could be used for younger K grades.