As a source for clean, sustainable, and low-cost biofuels, algae can be 10 or even 100 times more productive growing on a given parcel of land than traditional biomass resources like corn stover or forest residues. More than 100,000 strains of algae currently in existence provide raw material that can be processed into fuels that power cars, airplanes, and trucks.

But algae processing steps like cultivation and dewatering are expensive and hinder the reliability of an adequate algae supply chain. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is working with PNNL and other national laboratories to overcome these challenges with the supply chain so that the biofuels industry can readily develop renewable diesel and jet fuels.

Algae cultivation, economics, and nutrient recycling

PNNL is partnering with BETO to investigate multiple strains of algae for growth and productivity conditions in open-pond environments and various climate conditions. As part of this work, PNNL leads the Development of Integrated Screening, Cultivar Optimization, and Verification Consortium—or DISCOVR. Through this national laboratory collaboration, researchers have identified and cultivated strains that show a 50 percent increase in productivity (the amount of biomass that can be produced per pond surface area each day) in both summer and winter climates.

PNNL also performs modeling and techno-economic analyses that predict outcomes from using PNNL’s biocrude conversion process—hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)—to convert algae to biofuel. These analyses will better reflect the commercial production costs and output associated with the HTL biofuels process.

Our researchers are also continuing to explore ways to recycle nutrients that come from algae during the HTL process, such as phosphorus, which is a primary component of fertilizer and a constrained resource.

Algae isn’t just the slime clinging to the side of your pond. It’s a plant that will fuel tomorrow’s transportation.