Microbes and Alternative Sources of Energy
Energy is a critical commodity and it functions as a factor of production, as a process-feed stock, and as a consumer good. The availability of energy determines, and the demand for energy is determined by, the shape of the life style of individuals and that of the total economy. As an economy develops, its demand for energy tends to increase and its consumption pattern in terms of energy-forms and energy-sources also tends to change. In comparison, the stock of known viable sources of energy supply, particularly of commercial fuels, are limited and to a large extent non-renewable.

Further, the commercial exploitation of energy sources demand large investment and long gestation period. To overcome these barriers, the need to find out long-run al ternative sources of energy are significantly being considered by the scientists; microorganisms again seem to offer a novel system for biological production of energy.