Algae Farming Costs and Efficiency
- The cost of an algae farm varies between $50,000 to $5,000,000 depending on scale and complexity.
- Photobioreactors are closed systems using artificial light to optimize algae growth.
- Algae can produce 10 to 300 times more oil per acre than other biofuel sources.
- Algae efficiently use CO2 and fix over 40% of global carbon.
- An open-air algae pond costs $32,500 per acre.
- Solix can produce biofuel from algae now, but it costs $32.81 per gallon.
Starting an Algae Farm
How do I start an algae farm?
- Algae is used in medicinal, cosmetic, biofuel, and fodder applications.
Algae Farming Requirements
What are the requirements for algae farming?
- Algae farms have high maintenance costs, requiring technicians, fertilizers, carbon dioxide, and water.
- 30% of production can be lost each year to pond crashes.
- Revenue depends on location, strain, and buyers.
- If a 100-acre farm produced 15,000 gallons per acre yearly at 10 cents profit per gallon, annual earnings would be $150,000.
- The Department of Defense paid $150 per gallon for jet fuel from algae.
- Microalgae can double in size within 24 hours while macroalgae grow to considerable size.