Fuel from algae

scientists at the University of California, Berkeley and the us National Renewable Energy Laboratory, have found a way to use green algae to produce hydrogen gas from sunlight and water. The technique, they say, may help produce enough hydrogen to meet future fuel needs.

The scientists have demonstrated that the natural photosynthetic apparatus of certain types of green algae can be turned off and redirected to create hydrogen. Firstly, the algae is prevented from coming into contact with sulphur. This helps to prevent photosynthesis whereby the cell cannot produce oxygen.

Without oxygen, the anaerobic cells are not able to burn stored fuel in the usual way