Why use algae as a feedstock for biofuels instead of other crops like corn or soybeans?
Unlike other alternative energy fuels such as soybeans and corn ethanol, algae does not drive up world food prices by using edible crops for fuel. Algae also does not divert arable land from food consumption, requires little energy for cultivation, and can be produced economically and efficiently to meet growing energy needs. The rapid growth rate of algae allows for continuous harvesting, as opposed to one or two harvests per year. The algae also yield a higher percentage of lipids (BTU content) per given biomass density.
