Clean and Cheap Energy

Coal is probably the oldest source of fuel in the world, and it is likewise the least costly amongst its alternatives. It is also one of the top contributors of green house gases and pollution. In fact, mining methods used to extract coal such as strip mining contribute to soil erosion, leaving the land useless for vegetation to grow.

Take the Philippines for example. 27% of the energy requirements of the country comes from coal. An alarming 10.1mln metric tons were used up based on 2005 data; 7.3 mln metric tons of this amount are imported, and the rest are sourced from local producers.

A need for a viable alternative for coal as an energy source, given the damaging effects it contributes to the environment. This alternative should convert already existing carbon deposits into the atmosphere in the form of CO2 and convert these deposits into bio mass. Luckily, an opportunity for further research lies in the unassuming water fern Azolla. This plant doubles its bio mass every 2 to 3 days which makes the supply very easy to replenish. Moreover, it can grow in ponds and rice paddies. Makes you think -- maybe there is hope for the world. =)