Studies have shown that the biodiesel process utilizing waste cooking oils had a better rate of return than a process which used virgin oil, although all of the processes in their papers had negative rates of return. There is no doubt that the challenges of finding an alternative for petroleum are enormous. In spite of these challenges, it does seem that when one considers the enormous demand for diesel, microalgae may be a fertile area for research and development. For the Philippines, doing research on microalgae may make sense considering our extensive experience in aquaculture. Indeed, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Iloilo has had a long history of microalgal culture albeit with the end of providing fish feed in mind.

Razon, L. F. (2011, December 22). Biokubo: The search for an alternative feedstock for biodiesel. The Philippines Star, p. B-5.