Algae Biofuel

Adam Degner

Algae is a resource that can reuse and reproduce. Price will decrease as the technology to create the biofuel improves. Crude is a resource that is disappearing and will only rise in costs. There is only one logical direction that we need to go to ensure there will

always be fuel to power our vehicles.

Algae vs. Crude

Biofuel Production

Biofuel Production

Step #1 – Grow the Algae

Step #2 – Starve Algae of it’s nutrients.

Biofuel Production

Step #3 – Break the Algae open

Step #4 – Capture the Sugars and Fats released from the Algae.

Step #5 – Use Solvents to separate Fats from Sugars

Those seeking to utilize algae for biofuel need cost-effective processes to make algal oil a reality.

Biofuel Production

Step #6 – Convert the Fat to Biodiesel

Ready for Market!

Applications of the Technology

Market TrendsAirlinesKLM, the Dutch airline, announced that it aims to use algae-derived biofuel for all its planes.On November 7, 2011 United / Continental flew biofuel flight from IAH to ORD on algae jet fuel, which supplied by Solazyme. The Boeing 737-800 burned jet fuel derived partially from genetically modified algae that feed on plant waste and produce oil. Continental has entered into a partnership to expand the use of algae based biofuel. United Continental Holdings plans to buy 20 million gallons a year of biofuel made by California firm Solazyme.

Commercial AutomobilesIn September 2009, an algae-based substitute for gasoline was successfully tested in a 2008 Toyota Prius plug-in electric hybrid during a two-week, cross-country tour that spanned more than 3,750 miles. The algae-based gasoline used in the tour was produced by California-based Sapphire Energy.

US Militarythe US Navy conducted a full-power demonstration of a 50-50 blend of algae-based diesel and traditional fuel in a Riverine Command Boat at its naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. The test was the first time that algae-based fuels had ever been used in a military vessel. Solazyme provided the fuel.Barrack Obama has challenged everyone associated with alternative fuels to try and improve and considerably decrease the use of Crude generated fuel.

Vessel Shipping LinesShipping giant Maersk has been making a number on interesting efficient improvements in its containers ships as of late, and now is testing algae-biofuels as well: Right now the Maersk Kalmar is en route from Northern Europe to India running a blend of algae-biofuel and petroleum-based fuel.

Environmental Benefits

Two of the largest Oil Spills in history were the BP Oil Rig Explosion in the Gulf Coast and the Exxon Valdez vessel that grounded in Alaskan waters. Between the two catastrophes they dumped nearly 8.4 million barrels of crude oil into the ocean causing damage that will never be reversed.

Jennifer – 36 year old Married women and Mother of 2 Children. She currently drives a 2010 Ford F-150 Pick-up. She drives approximately 7,500 miles per year and gets about 14 miles per gallon. -Do you know what Algae Based Fuel is? No. I did not know that there was such thing as fuel other than oil.-Is the Enviroment important to you? Yes, it is. I sometimes worry what the world will be like in 20 or 30 years. We are growing so rapidly and developing technology but many times we lose focus on what is really important.-Do you make decisions that affect the condition you will leave the Earth in for your kids? I recycle everything I can and we looked into getting solar panels for our home. I try to educate them on the importance of taking care of Earth and its resources.-If I told you that you could buy a truck that would use fuel that would help with the environment would you consider it? I would definitely do some research when buying my next vehicle.-What would you look for to ensure it is a decision that is best for you? I would want to know what the cost of the vehicle would be. I would want to know what the cost to the alternative fuel would be. I would want to know how accessible the fuel is to purchase. -Is cost an important factor in the decision? Absolutely. I would need to weigh the differences. The future is important for me, my kids and my grandkids. I do not know if one person could make a difference. I might wait until the price becomes more affordable.

Customer Interview

Price of Alternativ

e Fuel

Customer Needs

Cost of Vehicle

Upgrade Needs

Education of What and

How it Works

Retail Outlets that sell Alternative

Fuels

1. Laboratory for Algae Research and Biotechnology; http://larb.asu.edu/ (April 15, 2012)2. Scott SA, Davey MP, Dennis JS, Horst I, Howe CJ, Lea-Smith DJ, Smith AG. 2010. Biodiesel from algae: challenges and prospects. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 21(3):277-863. "{PhD thesis on algae production for bioenergy}" (PDF). Murdoch University, Western Australia. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/pubfiles/adt-MU20050901.140745/02Whole.pdf. Retrieved 10 June 2008.4. "{PhD thesis on algae production for bioenergy}" (PDF). Murdoch University, Western Australia. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/pubfiles/adt-MU20050901.140745/02Whole.pdf. Retrieved 10 June 2008.5. Where Do Algae Grow? United States6. Flying on Algae Blooms United Kingdom7. Continental Airlines flight is first in U.S. to use biofuel Los Angeles Times November 11, 20118. Algae-based Fuel Tests US Algae Industry9. Algae-based Fuel Tests US Algae Industry10. Mat McDermot; Maersk Container Ship Testing Algae Biofuel On Europe-India Route; December 14, 201111. Continental Airlines flight is first in U.S. to use biofuel; Los Angeles Times November 11, 201112. Mat McDermot; Maersk Container Ship Testing Algae Biofuel On Europe-India Route; December 14, 201113. Ali Kriscenski; POWER YOUR CAR WITH ALGAE: Algae Biocrude by LiveFuels | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building; 10/22/2007

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