Bioenergy from macroalgae : some costs and benefits

Hermannsson, Kristinn and Swales, Kim (2013) Bioenergy from macroalgae : some costs and benefits. Fraser of Allander Economic Commentary, Special E (4). pp. 30-36. ISSN 2046-5378

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Abstract

A significant drawback of many bioenergy sources is that energy crops displace alternative land use, such as for food. Responding to this criticism seaweed has been suggested as a source of next generation bioenergy. It is harvested and cultivated on a commercial scale in several countries in Europe (Norway, France), Asia (China, Japan) and South-America (Chile), but in most coastal areas it is relatively underexploited and therefore offers an appealing prospect: at least in principle.