The Japanese automobile parts maker Denso has unveiled a pilot plant at the site of a former elementary school in Amakusa to cultivate algae for use to create diesel fuel. Building on research begun in 2008, the company chose Amakusa for its project as the alga is thermophilic. Currently, three pools of various sizes have been built with an expected output of 100 liters of diesel fuel monthly. Future plans are for two 80-meter long pools with an annual output of 20,000 liters. Residual material after oil extraction is high in nutrients so is suitable for animal feed (useful, as Ushibuka is deep in cows). A spokesman said, “We anticipate that this project will contribute to the economic development of Amakusa and add to employment.”
The Japanese automobile parts maker Denso has unveiled a pilot plant at the site…
