S. Korea aims to use kelp as energy resource by 2013

South Korea aims to develop technology that can transform ordinary kelp into a commercially viable energy source by 2013, the government said. Laboratory experiments conducted from June through October 2009 using one ton of the seaweed worth 5 million won (US$4,262.21) showed the naturally abundant, quickly growing seaweed could be made into fuel and useful resources, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said. “In the past, efforts were centered solely on making fuel like ethanol, but the latest tests extracted various minerals,” an official said. He said that while it’s hard to make a profit using existing technologies, better extraction methods could be introduced in the next few years. (November 24, 2009)