Algae ponds can produce energy in a couple of surprising ways, both as a direct energy source and a biomass that can be converted into biofuel. As a source of direct energy, that energy comes from chlorophyll, which is something that all green plants generate to help themselves produce food from sunlight. As algae photosynthesizes and produces chlorophyll, it also releases electrons into the surrounding water, which creates a small electrical charge. In an enclosed pond with the right type of algae, it is possible to capture this electricity and use it. This is what is known as a bio photovoltaic system since unlike solar photovoltaic systems, it is living things that are converting light into electricity.
Electrical generation from enclosed algae ponds isn’t the only way that algae can be used to create energy. Bulk algae can also be fermented into a biofuel that can be used much like gasoline or diesel to power things like generators or vehicles. It’s a more efficient method of fuel production since it takes only a fraction of the cropland required to grow enough corn to produce an equivalent amount of ethanol. Not only is it more efficient, but producers find it more profitable, and it’s more environmentally friendly, too.
