The US May Achieve Energy Independence With Help From Algae-Based Biofuels

Seven years ago this week, the United States was attacked on September 11. Since this event, the US military, congress, and departments of energy, agriculture and defense have increased the volume of initiatives to promote renewable alternatives for energy independence.

There is a growing sense of urgency for the US to produce alternatives to foreign oil. The United States imports approximately 70% of its oil. In addition, the United States military is the largest single consumer of diesel fuel in the world. According to a recent study, Biodiesel 2020: A Global Market Survey, the United States has produced impressive volumes of biodiesel from soy, canola, and waste greases to offset imported oil. However, the amount of available, arable land to produce soybean and corn crops is limited to produce sufficient quantities for food markets, export demands, and reach ambitious renewable fuel targets by the Energy and Independence Security act of 2007, finds the study.

Algae holds great potential to provide a high-yield, non-food source of biodiesel, ethanol and aviation fuels. “As a transport fuels feedstock, algae can produce up to 10,000 gallons of biodiesel feedstock per acre per year compared to soybeans at 50 gallons per acre and canola/rapeseed at 120 gallons per acre,” said Will Thurmond, Chairman of Research and Development for the NAA and author of the Biodiesel 2020 study. “Due to these factors, the US military and DOE are aggressively pursuing algae for aviation fuels at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Sandia National Labs, and major university R&D centers,” said Thurmond.

“The US can not grow enough corn and soybeans to wean our nation off foreign oil,” said Barry Cohen, Founder of the National Algae Association. “The US military, commercial aviation, and transportation industries now face an urgent need to develop alternative, non-food feedstocks. The advancement of algae-based biofuels is a significant step in the right direction to support efforts for US energy independence. For our next conference in October, the National Algae Association will continue its research and development efforts to accelerate the commercialization of algae markets for biofuels,” said Mr. Cohen.

For more information on the October event, or for membership information for the National Algae Association, visit www.nationalalgaeassociation.com