Creating Hydrocarbon Fuel With Light

[ianz123]

Scientists found a solution to convert acids to hydrocarbons using an algal enzyme which is activated by light. This could provide a new source of hydrocarbon energy, says source!
Is this just another clickbait article, or this really is a very importand study? What do you think?
Source

[R.I.D.E.]

Photosynthesis, turning C02 into fuel, food, shade, and reducing global warming. Let's get rid of all that excess C02, or we could just plant stuff and let it do it for us. Maybe switch-grass.

[SteveMak]

There are all sorts of possibilities. However, most people, including the "talking heads" that publicize "news", don't ask the hard questions:

• How far can it scale, both technically and cost-effectively?
• What is the true, non-subsidized cost (including startup, ongoing fixed, ongoing variable, lifetime support, decommissioning)? Make sure these numbers are subsidy free.
• What other costs and impacts are there? (e.g., people talk about "clean" hydrogen cars without talking about them needing 3x more electricity than a battery EV to create the hydrogen fuel, and that 2/3 of that electricity comes from burning stuff in The States).

The list goes on and on. We rarely get the who, accurate, complete, and agenda-free story.