Unlocking algae's potential for biofuel

DelawareOnline.com
By TIFFANY HSU • Los Angeles Times • September 20, 2009

Scientists see promise in 'nature's solar panels' despite challenges

To many, algae is little more than pond scum, a nuisance to swimmers and boaters.

But to a growing community of scientists and investors, there is oil locked in all that slimy stuff, and companies are racing to try to figure how best to unleash it and produce an affordable biofuel.

The companies have set up shop in the San Diego area -- around 200 biotech companies are clustered on a mesa above Torrey Pines State Beach.

Together, the companies and organizations conducting algae research employ nearly 300 people with more than $16 million in payroll and bring $33 million annually into the local economy, according to the San Diego Association of Governments.

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