Coastal Biomass from Algae for Coastal Biomass from Algae for the production of biodieselthe production of biodiesel

Estimated cost: $1.40 to $4.40/galOr$60 to $100 per barrel of oil equivalent

7.5 billion gallons of biodiesel per year requires 500,000 acres of water

Old Dominion UniversityPatrick G. HatcherProfessor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Cells during Growth

Pyrolysis/GC/MS chromatogram of algae

1. VA has plenty of sunshine

2. VA has many coastal areas amenable to locating algal ponds in close proximity to power generating facilities and agriculture

3. VA’s coastal waterways are choked with algae which could be removed and used as biodiesel feedstock while cleaning up the waterways

4. VA has the customers: 1. Military2. Coastal cities with high energy demands3. US and State government buildings and

vehicles

1. Outperforms all land-plant sourcesGallons of Oil per Acre per Year

Corn 18Soybeans 48Safflower 83Sunflower 102Rapeseed 127Oil Palm 635Algae 5,000-

15,000

Why is it attractive?Why is it attractive?

2. Does not use agricutural land

3. Is cleaner burning than diesel

Why is it attractive for Why is it attractive for Virginia?Virginia?

ODU’s strategy for the production of ODU’s strategy for the production of biodiesel from algaebiodiesel from algae

Various options for design of production facility

1. Algal ponds coupled to agricultural effluents

2. Coupled to waterway cleanup

3. Algal ponds coupled to electricity generation

Research :

1. Design a bench-scale facility for converting various algae sources above to diesel to provide proof of concept for the chemical process being designed

2. Generate diesel fuels in sufficient amounts to test fuel efficiency and characteristics

3. Scale up to pilot facility in cooperation with industry partners