回答 [Forecast Q1-2025] - Aqua product: New Zealand's Algae Biodiesel

A 4New Zealand's Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation has produced the world's first wild algae biodiesel. It was successfully test-driven in Wellington by David Parker, Minister for Energy and Climate Change Issues. The Minister himself filled the tank of a diesel-powered Land Rover with Aquaflow B5 blend biodiesel. He then drove the vehicle around the Parliament Building's forecourt with a gathering of guests, media, public, and even his Green party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, in attendance. Aquaflow is a Marlborough-based company which first announced the production of the world's first biodiesel fuel from microalgae derived from local sewage pond in May 2006.

B  Barrie Leay, the spokesperson in Aquaflow, said, 2“we believe we are the first-ever company in the world to drive a vehicle powered by wild algae-based biofuel. Besides, this test will surprise others in the industry who predicted this breakthrough to take place in the distant future.” He also stated that the company took almost a year to come up with this fuel which will eventually turn out to be an excellent opportunity for the Kiwis and the team who believe in the potential of this eco-friendly technology.

C Algae-based Biodiesel is anticipated to become an economical, and cleaner fuel alternative for New Zealand's automobiles. 1However, apart from cars, boats, and buses, it can also be used for heating and power generation. Without a doubt, there is a global demand for these eco-friendly fuels, and in billions of litres per year. 7The best part is that Algae are available in abundance, as they are naturally produced in nutrient-rich wastewater, like in the settling ponds of Effluent Management Systems (EMS). 8They are both indigenous and renewable, and can generate many beneficial byproducts.

D  9It all began with Aquaflow's agreement to commence a pilot project with Marlborough District Council last year, to extract algae from their Blenheim based EMS ponds. By using the primary contaminant of these ponds as a fuel feedstock, Aquaflow is also aiding the Council's bioremediation process of cleaning up water discharge. Even dairy farmers and food processing units can adopt the same methodology to reap significant benefits from their waste waters.

E   10The biofuels are blended with mineral diesel and not used in raw form. They also help in meeting the government's B5 target of 5% blending. Eventually, this percentage is expected to scale with the increase in the generation of biofuels. In line with this, Aquaflow plans to augment its production capacity to one million litres in the coming year. The company will also launch a prospectus for potential investors before Christmas. And this test drive at Massey University's Wellington campus on December 11th might be the main highlight to woo more investors.

F  5-11Apart from biofuels, algae are already used as fertiliser, livestock feed, and soil conditioners. 12Both aquatic and microscopic species can be cultivated in ponds and clear tanks to treat effluents in ponds. This process is known as Algaculture, and when practiced on a large scale, it becomes a prominent part of aquaculture.

G 13More so, the production of Aquaflow is subject to a provisional patent which prevents other companies from using their invention illegally. 14Algae are the simplest plant organisms that can produce and store energy by the process of photosynthesis. They are rich in lipids and combustible elements, which Aquaflow is striving to extract economically. Besides, while algae are good at catching all the nutrients in sewage, too much algae may cause issues like unbearable stench and tinting of water. So an arrangement with Aquaflow is an excellent alternative to algae disposal and cleaning up for the Council.

H  3Natural seaweeds are also an essential source of food, as they are rich sources of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B3 (niacin), and C, in addition to iodine, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc. The commercially produced Algae and cyanobacteria are also marketed as health supplements, Spirulina, Chlorella and Dunaliella (a Vitamin-C supplement), being prominent examples. Besides, it might surprise you to know that algae are ethnic foods in many countries. While the Japanese consume over 20 species of algae, people in China consume over 70. Algae's natural pigments are also used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical dyes.

I  6The most noticeable part about cultivating algae is that they neither require any specific care nor compete with food crops for resources like land, chemicals, and fertilisers. All that is necessary for the growth of algae exists naturally and in abundance. From wastewater to free solar energy, the inputs and processes are sustainable, and so is their usage.