The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $20.2 million in funding for 10 university and industry projects to advance the development of blended algae for low-carbon aviation fuels and biodevelopment. The program focuses on converting algae, including seaweed and other wet waste feedstocks, into sustainable fuels, chemicals, and agricultural products.
The selected projects are located in seven states. They will address key R&D challenges associated with converting these underutilized feedstocks into valuable products. While abundant, these feedstocks present unique challenges due to their variability, complex chemical composition, and storage instability.
This funding aligns with multiple national priorities, including the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Grand Challenge, the Executive Order on Advancing Innovation in Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing, and the Clean Fuels and Products Initiative. The DOE's investment focuses on two key areas:
Algae to Low-Carbon Fuels and Bioproducts: This research will involve laboratory-scale R&D to convert algae and blends of algae with other wet wastes into renewable fuels and bioproducts. The goal is to harness the potential of these abundant and readily available feedstocks and create new market opportunities.
Algae Biomass Conversion to Low-Carbon Agricultural Bioproducts: This research will focus on nearly or fully integrated technologies that utilize CO2 emissions from industrial facilities or power plants to cultivate algae. The produced algae will then be converted into value-added bioproducts for agriculture and animal feed.
This program is undertaken by the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM).
Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, highlighted the importance of this investment in establishing a secure biomass resource supply chain. "These innovative projects are critical to establishing a secure biomass resource supply chain and can transform the way we deliver cleaner, net-zero emissions to industry," he said. "We are proud to see our federal energy offices come together to invest in projects that address the climate crisis, create good-paying jobs, and accelerate our nation's clean energy bioeconomy."
Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, highlighted the role of carbon conversion in the transition to a net-zero economy.
"Carbon conversion plays a critical role in the transition to a net-zero economy by converting carbon emissions captured from industrial operations and power plants into agricultural products. Today's investment will help demonstrate carbon conversion technologies that produce products that target hard-to-decarbonize sectors of our economy while providing clear greenhouse gas and environmental benefits over existing products," he said.
By addressing these major challenges and aligning with national priorities, DOE's investment in algae-based biofuels and bioproducts research has the potential to make a significant contribution to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
