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Algae Biofuel , Part 2: The Dynamics of Growth & Production

Algae Biofuel , Part 2: The Dynamics of Growth & Production. Samuel Coe samjcoe@gmail.com Energy Law Fall 2010. Overview. Algae Cultivation Open Pond, Photobioreator and Hybrid Systems Finding the Right Algae Aquatic Species Program Genetic Engineering Regulatory Complications

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Algae Biofuel , Part 2: The Dynamics of Growth & Production

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  1. Algae Biofuel, Part 2:The Dynamics of Growth & Production Samuel Coe samjcoe@gmail.com Energy Law Fall 2010

  2. Overview • Algae Cultivation • Open Pond, Photobioreator and Hybrid Systems • Finding the Right Algae • Aquatic Species Program • Genetic Engineering • Regulatory Complications • Patent Protection • U.S. Government Algae Policy • International Influence • Future Predictions

  3. “The successful growth of algae is more or less an art and a daily tightrope act with the aim of keeping the necessary prerequisites and various unpredictable events involved in algal mass cultivation in a sort of balance” - E. Wolfgang Becker

  4. How does algae grow? • Sunlight, Water & Carbon Dioxide

  5. From the Pond to the Fuel Pump

  6. Open Pond Systems

  7. Pond Pros & Cons -Low Costs -High Contamination Risk -Lots of Water and Space -Easy to Operate and Maintain

  8. Closed Photobioreactors

  9. PB Pros & Cons • High Productivity, but High Costs

  10. Early Algae PBs MIT rooftop, circa.1950

  11. Vertigro • Production potential of 100,000 oil gal/year for each acre of bioreactors

  12. Hybrid Systems • Innoculation • Grow the seed and set it free. • Wastewater Management • Carbon Capture Algae Bioreactor attached to smoke stack at power plant.

  13. Finding the Right Algae • Over 40,000 species of algae have been identified, likely hundreds of thousands more to be discovered

  14. Aquatic Species Program • U.S. Dep. of Energy & National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) • 1978 – 1996 • 3,000 species of algae studied and analyzed, only 51 labeled “high value”

  15. Genetic Engineering of Algae

  16. The Source of Algae Energy

  17. Genetic “Biomanufacturing” • Biological Secretion of Lipids • No Need for Costly Physical Extraction

  18. Dangers of Genetic Engineering? - “FrankenAlgae” - “Suicide Genes”

  19. Genetically-Engineered Algae Regulations • Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) • Plant Protection Act (PPA) • Conflicting Regulatory Agencies – E.P.A. v. U.S.D.A?

  20. Patent Protection for Algae Systems

  21. Plant Patents • 35 U.S.C.A § 161: “Whoever invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant, including cultivated sports, mutants, hybrids, and newly found seedlings, other than a tuber propagated plant or a plant found in an uncultivated state, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.”

  22. The Pros & Cons of Algae Patents • Increased Incentive for Invention • IP Assets to Attract Further Investment • Big Oil Patent Hunting? • Litigation Risks

  23. U.S. Algae Policy • Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) • Section 228: Algal Biomass (R & D) • American Recovery & Reinvestment Act • Making Amends for Past Neglect?

  24. International Algae • China, Japan, Argentina, New Zealand, India, & more have joined the algae game

  25. Future Predictions • More Research & Development • Further Private & Government Investment • Clearer Regulatory & Statutory Guidelines for Algae Businesses Biofuel Vehicles “Green” Buildings

  26. Conclusion

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