Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels in the United States

Biofuels made from algae are gaining attention as a domestic source of renewable fuel. However, with current technologies, scaling up production of algal biofuels to meet even 5 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs could create unsustainable demands for energy, water, and nutrient resources. Continued research and development could yield innovations to address these challenges, but determining if algal biofuel is a viable fuel alternative will involve comparing the environmental, economic and social impacts of algal biofuel production and use to those associated with petroleum-based fuels and other fuel sources. Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels was produced at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Overview of Algal Biofuel Supply Chain3 Pathways for Algal Biofuel Production4 Natural Resource Use5 Environmental Effects6 A Framework to Assess Sustainable Development of Algal BiofuelsAppendixesAppendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee MembersAppendix B: Statement of TaskAppendix C: Presentations to the CommitteeAppendix D: GlossaryAppendix E: Select Acronyms and AbbreviationsAppendix F: Conversion FactorsAppendix G: Economics of Coproduct Production from Large-Scale Algal Biofuels Systems