PNNL

Abstract

The objective of the study discussed here is to provide a comprehensive, multi-scale assessment of microalgae production potential at the farm scale and aggregating this information to regional and national scales utilizing readily available, but highly detailed information. Within a GIS framework, microalgal biomass productivities are being estimated for different types of microalgae (fresh-water versus brackish and salt-tolerant) cultured in open ponds with varying salinity and mineral content in different climatic zones (i.e., solar radiation, temperature). Spatial and temporal information on critical resource demands and constraints are being developed from a combination of best available data and state-of-the-art multi-scale spatial water and energy balance modeling. Site specific sustainable production rates will be evaluated based on climatic conditions, land, and consumptive water requirements, and competing uses for available land, water, and nutrients. Expected results include scalable data and models to assess optimal locations for microalgae production across the nation, within regions, at specific sites. This effort is in its early stages, so the focus of this paper is in describing the overall approach, the scientific basis for this approach, description of the algae environmental constraints and growth rates,; resource database development, water and energy budget models, and the national scale assessment tool.