Biofuels From Desert Plants

As petroleum reserves dwindle, society has begun to search for renewable fuel alternatives. Biofuels (such as ethanol and biodiesel) are developed from plants, and researchers are experimenting with plants that grow well in otherwise unusable land--namely, the desert. Using arid desert land saves space on agriculturally useful land, and as an added benefit, land that would normally waste away is put to productive use.

Salt Cedar Trees

• In 2008, researchers from Israel and Italy proved it is feasible to grow salt cedar trees in the desert. Low-quality water which has a high salt content can be used to irrigate these trees. Irrigating the trees with waste water negates the need for any filtration of the irrigation water, which uses energy. Researchers state one hectare of desert land could produce 70 to 100 tons of salt cedar biomass for use as fuel.

Euphorbia Tirucalli

• Euphorbia tirucalli is a tropical to subtropical plant commonly known as milkbush. According to M. Calvin, as cited by Purdue University, the plant is capable of producing between 10 to 50 barrels of oil (biodiesel) per acre. The plant also produces latex, and its wood can be used as framing lumber if the plants are allowed to grow tall enough. As of 2010, research is ongoing on the uses of milkbush and related species.

Algae

• Algae has a lot of promise as a biofuel producer. According to Thomas F. Riesing, Ph.D, microalgae can produce between 5,000 to 15,000 gallons of oil per acre per year. Desert land is ideal for the large ponds' space requirement, but Dr. Riesing also notes some hurdles to overcome. One such hurdle is that shallow ponds must be filled in, and the only way this is possible is by piping in water to desert areas. As of 2010, research on growing algae in the desert is ongoing.