1. Biofuels from algae Shannon Ewanick CFR 521 April 29, 2008

2. Introduction Background Processes Conclusion

3. Background Uses for algae Nutrition Nori, dulse, kombu Supplements – spirulina, chorella DHA Cosmetics Fertilizer Aquaculture Pigments

4. Bioproducts Biodiesel Algae biodiesel has superior cold-weather properties Vegetable oil Bioethanol Butanol Methanol Hydrogen

5. Requirements Light CO 2 Water Inorganic nutrients Vary depending on algae Nitrates, phosphates, iron, trace elements

6. Farming methods

7. Photosynthetic surface area Surface area to volume ratio (SVR) Open (pond) system: 3-4 m 2 /m 3 Closed system70-100 m 2 /m 3 3D matrix system1500-2000 m 2 /m 3 Surfaces Polycarbonate (best) Acrylic Glass Polymer film

8. Process Algae biomass production CO 2 Nutrients Biomass recovery Extraction Water, nutrients Oil Biomass Biodiesel Bioethanol Animal feed Biogas

9. Algae species Many different species can be used Different species for fresh or salt water Scenedesmus dimorphus High yield but needs constant agitation Botryococcus braunii Produces long chain hydrocarbons, up to 86% of weight Thought be responsible for fossil fuel deposits Chlorophyceae spp. Produce starch granules

10. Productivity NREL

11. Challenges “High yield photoefficiency” As biomass increases light access is blocked Use small diameter tubes High capital costs Contamination by invasive species Water must be maintained at constant temp. Not enough CO 2 in atmosphere for exponential growth

12. Disadvantages Transfers CO 2 – doesn’t eliminate it Captured CO 2 from coal plants is released by cars Could slow progression towards alternative energy sources which might reduce CO 2 levels High water usage Nutrient sourcing

13. Production PetroSun: Rio Hondo, Texas 1100 acres of saltwater ponds 4.4 million gallons oil/year 110 million pounds biomass/year Solix 0.4 acre pilot plant using CO 2 from brewery Flexible plastic reactors – 50x300 ft Predict 8000 gal/acre/year

14. Players Greenfuel Technologies Corp. PetroSun Solix Algaelink Solazyme Valcent

15. Conclusions Cost of “alg-oil” becoming more reasonable as oil prices rise Best constructed in tandem with a CO 2 producer Promising “piece of the puzzle” for future transportation fuels

16. Questions?