Biofuels need 'driven by oil price rises'

Increased interest in biofuels is largely being driven by a rise in oil prices, it has been suggested.

According to EngineerLive, there are a range of potential sources being explored due to the leap in cost of crude, including sugar, domestic waste, wood, tobacco and grass.

The publication stated algae is currently one of the frontrunners to replace traditional substances as it is fairly easy to farm and the oil obtained from it is "very energy efficient".

Algae-based biofuels are likely to become even more popular due to a new production process that converts particles through catalytic activation, the information source continued.

It added Californian company OriginOil has unveiled a cutting-edge pilot method that uses 200-gallon tanks, which are specifically configured towards different forms of algae.

"The new process is simpler, sustainable and more energy efficient," the news provider explained.

Laboratory scientists at the University of Michigan recently announced they are working on an innovative biofuels development procedure, which uses pressure-cooking to compress microalgae in a matter of minutes.