Given the right conditions, algae grow incredible fast and can double in size in 24 hours. Unlike other biofuel feedstocks, such as Jatropha or palm oil, algae can be harvested ever day. Due to the high storage capability of lipids, up to 50% of an algae’s net weight can be comprised of oil, whereas Jatropha plants — currently the largest producer of oil to make biofuels — yield just about 30% of their weight in oil.

Across the board, oil yields from agriculture are already impressive: soy pro­duces some 50 gallons of oil per acre per year; canola, 150 gallons; and palm, 650 gallons. However, algae are expected to produce 10 000 gallons per acre per year and eventually even more.

Yields expressed in gallons of oil per acre per year cover a vast range from 5000 to 50 000. This wide range is a clear sign that the plant is not domesticated and that scientifically a lot more research needs to be done to standardize oil production. If all aspects of the cultivation are controlled, such as temperature, carbon dioxide levels, sunlight, and nutrients, extremely high yields can be obtained.

Algae also reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Algae take in carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen during the process of photosynthesis. Like other fuels, they release carbon dioxide when burned. Ultimately, net emissions are zero because the carbon dioxide released in burning is the same amount that was absorbed initially.

The difficult part about algae production is growing these "free radicals” uni­formly and harvesting them efficiently.

Proponents of algae are often of the opinion that large-scale algae production is the only viable method by which to produce enough automotive fuel to replace current world diesel usage.

4.2.3