From Scum to Power Source

Hello. I’m Charlotte Bellis, and you’re watching a special earth day edition of Newsy.com.

Venice hopes to become the first algae-powered city.

With the help of renewable energy company Enalg, the Italian city plans to harvest algae in order to produce 50 percent of the city’s energy.

MSNBC reports that algae, which lines the city’s canals, is a convenient substitute for other fuels.

“Researchers discovered when this primitive organism is exposed to extreme sunlight or cold water, it creates stress, which causes the algae to produce oil. The great thing about oil is mother nature made it to grow very, very fast. So instead of harvesting once a year or twice a year, we harvest every couple days.”  (MSNBC)

Ecoworldy explains the process of creating algae fuel.

“The algae will be cultivated in laboratories and put in plastic cylinders where water, carbon dioxide, and sunshine can trigger photosynthesis. The resulting biomass will be treated further to produce a fuel to turn turbines. The carbon dioxide produced in the process will be fed back to the algae, resulting in zero emissions from the plant.” (Eco Worldy)

Mother Nature Network suggests the cultivation of algae will help lessen other problems in the city.

“Several species of algae give the Venice canals their characteristic deep green hue (and scent) and can wreck havoc on the city's fleet of ferry boats.” (Mother Nature Network)

Taking an opposing viewpoint, an Environmental News Network blogger believes the algae’s ability has been sensationalized.

“…it became clear that much of what is bandied about on blogs and in the mainstream media...is wild-eyed optimism and pure hype...” (Environmental News Network)

Want to learn more? Please, visit our sources, and stay tuned for more of Newsy.com’s Earth Day coverage, where we look at perspectives on some of the world’s most pressing environmental and energy issues.

I’m Charlotte Bellis for Newsy.com – where multiple perspectives help provide the real story.