Bog and Slime: The Future of Fuel

Originally published Aug, 2011 in the St. John’s Board of Trade Business News.

Currently making up almost 30 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador’s GDP, the offshore fossil fuel industry is only expected to last approximately 28 more years. When combined with an increasing environmental awareness, the need for alternative natural fuel sources be comes urgent. Peat and algae, though they may be viewed as simply bog and slime, are both promising natural resources that Newfoundland has in abundance. Each generates not only energy, but also solutions to various global and local issues.

How is it possible to run a vehicle on the same substance that clouds an aquarium and builds up on fishing nets? According to the Worldwatch Institute, micro-algae have the potential to produce large quantities of lipids (plant oils) that are well suited for use in biodiesel production. Algae grow naturally in both salt and freshwater, and can be commercially produced in controlled environments for a more consistent output. The oil, making up 30 to 70 per cent of the biomass, can be extracted and processed into environmentally friendly fuels.

Presently in the research and development stage, algae biofuel has been tested in a commercial aircraft with favourable results. There is no wastage of the biomass since the residual ‘algae cake’ can be used in a variety of valuable co-products including animal feed, cosmetics, and protein supplements.

Peat has multiple uses including horticulture, home heating, and industrial fuel. Production of this resource as an industrial fuel is well underway in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, as Toronto-based Peat Resources Ltd. is currently operating a pilot plant in Stephenville and plans to expand operations for both local and export markets.

To ensure that peat fuel is environmentally attractive, a wet harvesting technique is used that avoids the need to pre-drain the peatlands. This method preserves the upper growing layer of the bog, minimizing damage to the ecosystem.

Utilities that rely on coal or oil-burning power plants are interested in peat as a direct substitute that generates electricity while reducing emissions of mercury and harmful greenhouse gases.

In recognition of the severity of global warming, many countries are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Utilizing algae biofuel and peat as replacements for non-renewable and expensive fossil fuels could help meet these needs.

Algae oil is presented as an environmentally friendly, renewable transportation fuel of the future. Its valuable co-products are sold to help produce the oil at costs competitive with fossil fuel. Currently in the testing stage, it holds promise for use in planes and other vehicles.

Peat is already used in place of coal in many parts of Europe for electricity generation. It is viewed as a cleaner substitute for coal and is needed to facilitate government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With multiple uses and environmental benefits, peat is also in demand as oil and electricity prices rise.

On a more local scale, parts of rural Newfoundland are suffering from the dwindling fishing industry and would benefit from the job opportunities that would arise with the development of these industries. For instance, algae is a renewable resource that could be cultivated and processed in the deserted fish plants and warehouses for reliable employment and revenues. This coincides with the NL Rural Secretariat’s plans to take advantage of growth opportunities and partner with academic communities on research projects.

The future of fuel in Newfoundland and Labrador could quite possibly be dependent on resources formerly viewed as slime and bog. Development of these native materials will not only revitalize the local economies of rural Newfoundland and Labrador, but will also help reduce the effects of global warming.