commercialization of algal-derived biofuels: biological ...green algae other oleaginous algae...
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Commercialization of Algal-Derived Biofuels: Biological Considerations
ABO Algae Fuels Forum
World Biofuels Markets Pre-
Congress Forum
Al Darzins, Ph.D.Principal Group Manager
National Bioenergy Center
NREL C2B2 Site Director
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy operated by Midwest Research Institute • Battelle
March 16, 2009
Advanced Biofuels in 2007 EISASection 202 Renewable Fuels Standard sets aggressive volumetric goalsSection 202 – Renewable Fuels Standard sets aggressive volumetric goals
Development must include Advanced Bi f l th t i t h bl ithBiofuels that are interchangeable with traditional fuels and can be more easily integrated into the current infrastructure.
2022 Conventional (Starch) Biofuel
2015
2012
2012
EPAct 2005 Ethanol & Biodiesel
BiodieselCellulosic BiofuelsOther Advanced Biofuels
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0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40Billions of Gallons
D fi i
Algae: Numerous Bioenergy RoutesDefining
a Biofuels Portfolio
Microalgae Macroalgae
Portfolio From
Microalgaeg
Hydrogen Biomassmed
iate
Lipids or CarbohydratesHydrogen Biomass
Inte
rm Hydrocarbons Carbohydrates
MethaneSyngas
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Hydrogen Alkanes or“Green Diesel” Biodiesel FT Liquids
Fuel Alcohols
(Ethanol) Methane
NREL’s Aquatic Species Program
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Microalgae Collection and Screening:Lessons Learned
– Many microalgae can
Lessons Learned
accumulate neutral lipids
– Diatoms and greens most i ipromising
– No perfect strain for all climates water typesclimates, water types
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Photos courtesy: Lee Elliott, CSM
Cellular Lipid Content of Algae
Green algae Other oleaginous algae
Diatoms Cyanobacteria
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Hu, Q., Sommerfeld, M., Jarvis, E., Ghirardi, M., Posewitz, M., Seibert, M. and Darzins, A. (2008) Microalgal triacylglycerols as feedstocks for biofuel production: perspectives and advances. The Plant Journal 54:621-639.
Physiology, Biochemistry, and Genetic Engineering: Lessons Learned
– Choosing right starting species is critical
Engineering: Lessons Learned
– Lipid induction doesn’t help productivity– Key enzymes change activity upon induction,
b t b i “li id t i ”but no obvious “lipid trigger”– Only begun to scratch the surface of algal biology
N d t d t d li id th l ti• Need to understand lipid pathways, regulation, and devise novel genetic strategies
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Process Engineering: Lessons Learned– Flocculation, most promising route for harvesting
S l t t ti f il f ibl b t t i l
Learned
– Solvent extraction of oil feasible; but not economical– Development of harvesting/extraction methods will need
a better understanding of cell wall ultra-structure anda better understanding of cell wall ultra structure and composition
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Photos courtesy: Q. Hu, ASU
ASP Close-Out Report: Future Directions
• Less emphasis on outdoor field demonstrations; morefield demonstrations; more on basic and applied biology
• Take advantage of plantTake advantage of plant biotechnology
• Start with what works in theStart with what works in the field (native strains)
• Maximize photosynthetic a e p otosy t et cefficiency
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http://www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/fy98/24190.pdf
SpeedbumpsProcess optimizationHarvesting & De watering
AlgalCultivation
Process optimizationFatty acid profilesCosts and LCAFuel characteristics
Harvesting & De-wateringLipid extraction PurificationCosts, energy inputCultivation Energy density
Carbon numbersCloud pointStability
gy pEnvironmental issuesValue from residual biomass
Photobioreactor designCapital and operating costs
Oil (Lipid) Recovery
StabilityConsistency
Additives requiredEngine testing
Capital and operating costsTemperature controlSaline water chemistriesMakeup water (evaporation)CO il bilit d t t
FuelProduction
ASTM standardCO2 availability and transportNutrient requirementsStarting speciesGrowth rate ProductionOil content & FA profileRobustnessResistance to invasionBiofouling in closed systems
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Biofouling in closed systemsNutrient induction requirementEnvironmental impact, containment
Algal Biofuels Roadmapping ActivitiesRoadmapping Activities
BiologicalBiological Considerations
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National Renewable Energy Laboratoryandand
Air Force Office of Scientific ResearchJoint Workshopp
onAlgal Oil for Jet Fuel Production
19 21 2008February 19-21, 2008Arlington, VA
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http://www.nrel.gov/biomass/algal_oil_workshop.html
Algal Biology Research Recommendations
• Publically available strain database and resource center
• Isolation of novel strains vs culture collection strains
• Multiple model organisms
• Ramp up sequencing of algal genomes• Ramp up sequencing of algal genomes
• Establish consortium to annotate genomes
• Lipid metabolism/carbon partitioning pathways uncharacterized
• Systems biology approaches to identify metabolic fluxes and regulatory networks
D l t f ti t l kit
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• Development of genetic tool kits
• Algal BiologyFundamental and applied research Algal Biology
• Cultivation
• Harvest/dewatering
Fundamental and applied research needed to resolve uncertainties associated with commercial-scale l l bi f l d i • Harvest/dewatering
• Extraction/fractionation
C i f l
algal biofuel production:
Recycle • Conversion to fuels
• Co–products
Recycle
• Systems integration
• Siting & Resources
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• Regulation & Policy
• Algal Biology • Strain isolation and screeningAlgal Biology
• Cultivation
• Harvest/dewatering
Natural isolates Role of culture collections
• Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Physiology• Harvest/dewatering
• Extraction/fractionation
C i t f l
Ce o ogy, oc e st y a d ys o ogy
Photosynthesis Carbon assimilation Li id th i d l ti• Conversion to fuels
• Co–products
Lipid synthesis and regulation Algal cell walls
• Genomics and Systems Biology
• Systems integration
• Siting & Resources
Model systems Genome sequencing and annotation Transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics
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• Regulation & Policy p , p ,
and lipidomics Development of genetic toolbox
Summary
• The potential of algal biofuels is significant
Al b lti t d h t d li id t t d• Algae can be cultivated, harvested; lipids extracted and oil converted to transportation fuels
• Can it be made at scale to contribute to world fuel• Can it be made at scale to contribute to world fuel demand?
• Understanding of underlying principles is lackingUnderstanding of underlying principles is lacking
• Biological considerations are critical; fundamental and applied R&D will be needed. pp
• Need coordinated support from relevant government agencies, private sector, academia, and stakeholders.
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National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future