# Assuming Algae-Based Biofuel Production Works..

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-algae-based-biofuel-production-works/663148>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [July 10, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-algae-based-biofuel-production-works/663148 "2013-07-10T16:38:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\
**Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-algae-based-biofuel-production-works/663148/1 "2013-07-10T16:38:55Z")

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…how much land area would we need to replace say 50% of our petroleum consumption? I understand that the algae grows in shallow ponds, and that because of the nature of algae, needs lots of water. So even if the process is developed, is it economically viable?
