Oil from algae, the microscopic plants that produce a green covering on the surfaces of ponds and neglected outdoor swimming pools, may soon be filling diesel pumps.

As crude oil has moved towards $100 (70, £50) a barrel and sustainable alternatives are sought in a bid to reduce carbon emissions, researchers are investigating “second-generation” biofuels ­ those not made from food crops such as soya or corn. Scientists have found that, in terms of oil yield, algae could be the most efficient source of biofuel.

Algae produces oil yields more than 100 times those of common biofuel crops such as soya, yet requires a fraction of the cultivation area. For example, one corn crop covering an acre nets about 81 gallons of ethanol a year, while palm may produce 650 gallons of biofuel. Algae may yield up to 15,000 gallons.

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