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Algae: The Alternative Energy Feedstock

Using algae as a feedstock for biofuels has many advantages over other biomass sources, experts believe, because of its ability to be produced quickly.  Through commerical production, it is believed that algae will surpass other biomass feedstocks in the near future.

 

Algae is a highly efficient converter of solar energy into fuel for cars, homes, and power generators.  Needing only sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to grow; some strains of algae are over 50% oil and produce a high yield per acre.  The average yearly yield per acre is capable of producing nearly 5,000 gallons of biodiesel.  In comparison, an acre of soybeans can typically only produce 70 gallons, with corn capable of producing only 420 gallons of ethanol per acre.

In addition to being used as a feedstock for biofuels, algae has other benefits for the environment.  Algae thrives on the harmful nitrogen from wastewater and carbon dioxide emissions that are generated from power plants.  Because of this, by growing algae in close proximity to these plants additional income streams can be generated, as well as minimizing the environmental effects of the plant.

With the tremendous potential yields that algae offers, the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory expects that up to 15,000 gallons of biodiesel can be created from a single saltwater pond.  The outlook for algae-based biofuels is great.

Inaugural Algae Biomass Summit a Success

              

The inaugural Algae Biomass Summit was held November 15 and 16 in San Francisco, exploring the emerging use of algae as a feedstock for biofuels and other renewable energy applications.

Beginning with a dinner on November 14, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Paul Dickerson, Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  Mr. Dickerson discussed the emphasis that the Department of Energy is placing on the commercialization of promising technologies; especially the potential of algae as a feedstock.

The event brought together more than 350 technologists, scientists, educators, producers, investors and policymakers.  Throughout the event, attendees heard from panels of experts on a variety of topics facing the industry, such as ways to overcome the barriers to commercial viability, algae production and conversion systems, market possibilities for algae related products, and strategies for raising early-stage capital. The Summit also provided an opportunity for start-up companies in the field to highlight their organization, project and technology. 

Douglas Kirkpatrick, Biofuels Program Manager for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), brought excitement when he announced DARPA’s new funding opportunity. Funding would be provided for the development of a highly efficient system for low-cost algal oil production and optimizing its conversion to JP-8 (Jet propellant 8, a versatile kerosene-based jet fuel), during his keynote speech.

The Summit concluded with the decision to move forward in the formation of a trade association to increase public awareness of the benefits of using algae as a feedstock for biofuels, as well as to further the evolving industry.