commercialization of algal-derived biofuels: biological ...green algae other oleaginous algae...

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

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future

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


Hydrogen Alkanes or“Green Diesel” Biodiesel FT Liquids

Fuel Alcohols

(Ethanol) Methane

NREL’s Aquatic Species Program


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


Photos courtesy: Lee Elliott, CSM

Cellular Lipid Content of Algae

Green algae Other oleaginous algae

Diatoms Cyanobacteria


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


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


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


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


Biofouling in closed systemsNutrient induction requirementEnvironmental impact, containment

Algal Biofuels Roadmapping ActivitiesRoadmapping Activities

BiologicalBiological Considerations


National Renewable Energy Laboratoryandand

Air Force Office of Scientific ResearchJoint Workshopp

onAlgal Oil for Jet Fuel Production

19 21 2008February 19-21, 2008Arlington, VA


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


• 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


• 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


• 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.


commercialization of algal-derived biofuels: biological ...green algae other oleaginous algae...

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