Is Bacteria Fuel the Next Big Thing?

By: Fast Company staffMon Jan 28, 2008 at 6:05 PM

While LS9’s research seems promising, bacteria fuel will have some competition to become the fuel of the future. Here’s a look at how it compares with three other major players among alternative fuels.

Fueling The Future
The oil well of tomorrow may be in a California lab full of genetically modified, diesel-spewing bacteria.

Bacteria Fuel

PRO: 50% more energy per gallon than ethanol; no need for refining
CON: Hasn’t been tried on a large scale yet; potential regulatory issues

Algae Biodiesel

PRO: Cheaper and more efficient to produce than soy biodiesel or ethanol
CON: Delicate algae are hard to keep alive and churning oil by the billions

Ethanol

PRO: Made from common crops such as corn; proven and existing technology
CON: Less energy than biodiesel; needs pricey, eco-unfriendly refining