According to Dr. Evan Stephens at the University of Queensland, Australia, Australia could become a major oil exporter if it begins farming certain native species of algae which have proven hardy and fast growing. If Australia farms certain algae on just 1% of its land mass it could theoretically produce five times the oil it uses. Traditionally research has focused on oil-rich varieties of algae, but these varieties are not fast growing and are more susceptible to predators. New technologies are now enabling scientists to trial a broader range of algae that are resistant to predation and variables such as changes in temperature.
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