Laminaria SSP, as Energy Source

The basic structural option to accommodate the seaweed plants lay between an offshore or onshore facility. The most promising coastal structure is described. This paper analyzes the commercial maturity of such structures. Two main themes are developed: 1. What are the possible economic and environmental advantages of such a cultivation for a country such as Belgium ? 2. Can one draw on research into the extraction of methane gas from such algae using anaerobic digestion ? Possibilities for electricity production from biomass are also touched upon. Conclusions are then drawn as to the economic justification of such projects. Are they a viable alternative to traditional beach collection of natural seaweed stands ?