Scientists have been experimenting with biofuels for many years. Biofuels capture the energy stored in plants to make fuel. Researchers developed them as a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal.
Still, there is a debate over how some kinds of biofuels affect water and land use. Researchers became interested in algae because it is easy to grow and care for. It also can be grown in seawater without using agricultural or drinking water.
Ho Kin-Chung says the necessary technology is solid, but still very costly. In fuel markets, he says, algae biofuel has to compete with traditional fuels. Petroleum or natural gas cost 30 to 40 percent less.
He says linking biofuel production with wastewater treatment can make the process more cost-effective.
Algae depend on nitrogen and phosphorous to grow. These are exactly the chemicals that need to be removed from wastewater.
Ho Kin-Chung says he will ask the government for a $1.3 million grant to develop a pilot program at a wastewater treatment center in Hong Kong.
Steve Choi is the executive director of Dynamic Progress International. The company is one of the first businesses in Hong Kong to sell biofuels to the public.
Steve Choi says the government should agree to test locally-made biofuels in its day to day operations.
Im Karen Leggett.
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