The burning of coal (and other fuels) for producing electricity entails the release of large amounts of CO_2, a 'greenhouse' gas that contributes to global warming. In addition significant amounts of gaseous nitrogen and sulfur oxide are also released. Greenfuel Inc. and other startup companies have pioneered the application of algal production to coal combustion that captures most of this CO_2 produced, along with the nitrogen and sulfur oxides, and converts these gases into algal biomass. In Arizona, Greenfuel's bioreactors produce an average yield of 25 g (0.9 ounce) dry biomass per square meter per day. At this rate one hectare could yield around 25 tonnes (27.6 short tons) of dry algae per year. For every tonne of biomass produced, 1.91 of CO_2 are consumed. Therefore significant quantities of algal biomass and algal residual products will become available soon.
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