Microalgae Energy Technologies

Algae can produce biomass at rates more than twice that of terrestrial plants, and can be converted to a variety of energy forms such as liquid fuels (biodiesel and green-gasoline), biogas (methane), or liquid alcohol fuel (butanol or ethanol). UGA biological and agricultural engineers are developing technology for producing algae on agricultural, industrial and municipal wastewaters and converting the biomass to fuels. In the past five years, they have begun developing a combined biotechnological system for processing and treating industrial, agricultural and municipal waste streams. Their work related to algae biofuels technology has resulted in six patent-pending technologies covering various aspects of cultivation and harvesting. They have trained about 25 students and staff in this area. Considering the future potential of algae biofuel technology, they are currently developing novel reactor configurations and advanced conversion technologies for nutrients and CO2 delivery, harvesting and cost effective production of biodiesel, biomethane, and bioethanol from algal biomass which will reduce the cost of production leading to more rapid commercialization.