Yucky Scum May Someday Fuel Cars, Planes and Trains because of PNNL Researchers

by Steven Ashby (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Tri-City Herald) Algae is often seen as a yucky muck, but it may soon join crop waste and cooking oils as an important ingredient in the recipe for renewable biofuels. At the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, our biofuels research explores many homegrown fuel feedstocks, including algae. Our scientists are identifying strains that are especially good at converting sunlight and carbon dioxide into biomass rich in energy and storing it in natural oils. Using a PNNL-developed process, those oils can then be extracted and converted into biocrude oil — a substitute for liquid fossil fuels.

This process is based on hydrothermal liquefaction, which uses high temperature and pressure to make the conversion possible in a matter of minutes versus the millions of years it would take in nature.

With support from DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the team is testing different algae under various conditions to identify the best strains. They also are looking at ways to increase productivity and develop more energy-efficient practices.

So far, three strains have emerged as being worthy of further research, with one achieving a DOE target for algae productivity six years ahead of schedule when grown outdoors for an entire growing season.

While we are still years away from industrial-scale cultivation plants and commercial biorefineries, this research demonstrates algal biofuels are moving closer to becoming an economically viable alternative to existing fuels. READ MORE