Peer Review Committee
The Peer Review Committee is overseen by:
John Benemann (Co-Editor)
Keith Cooksey (Editor)
There is also an editorial board consisting of 15 members. Contact either editor to request permission to place an article here. Guidelines are under the Resources tab, Publications and Gov't Documents page.
Articles
Theoretical Maximum Algal Oil Production by KM Weyer, DR Bush, A Darzins and BD Wilson
First there is a comment by Keith E. Cooksey:
"This is a valuable article in which the theoretical yield of unrefined algal oil is calculated using basic physics and biology. The word theoretical is used because all estimates of parameters that influence the yield were set at 100%. Thus no improvements by genetical engineering, for instance, are possible. (you can't exceed 100%!). Alternate figures for what could be the practical yield are in line with many current projections.Paying notice to the theoretical limit figures may prevent some from making overly optimistic claims which can never be realized!"
The paper in Bioenergy Research "Theoretical Maximum Algal Oil Production" by KM Weyer, DR Bush, A Darzins and BD Wilson can be viewed HERE.
A second posting, "Scum Artists" says that the biofuel industry should be careful in not making unsubstantiated claims can be viewed HERE.
Both articles provide food for thought!
Keith E.Cooksey
Algae wins best science book award
Green Algae Strategy selected as the best science book of the year
Algae’s place in the biofuels world improved with the recognition of Green Algae Strategy.
Green Algae Strategy, written by ABO member and Arizona State University professor Mark Edwards has been named the best science book of the year by the Independent Publisher Book Awards from a selection of over 4,000 books.
Green Algae Strategy: End Oil Imports and Engineer Sustainable Food and Fuels lays out a path for sustainable food, freshwater, biofuels, feed, fertilizers and fine medicines produced with green solar energy captured in algae. Green Algae Strategy explains how algae compares with other biofuel feedstocks and also profiles the algal industry. A chapter focuses on the challenges facing the algal industry that must be solved before algae’s full potential for food and biofuel can be achieved. Additional information may be found at GreenIndependence.org and is available on Amazon.com. The ABO Peer Review editor has a testimonial on the book's fly cover which was based on a review carried out prior to its initial publication. Jonathan Williams at Celsias also favorably reviewed Green Algae Strategy.
Greenhouse gas sequestration by algae-energy and greenhouse gas life cycle studies
Greenhouse gas sequestration by algae-energy and greenhouse gas life cycle studies by Peter Campbell et al. discusses Life Cycle Analysis of a biodiesel/biogas plant . Although it cites considerations that are specific to Australian sites, the paper should be of general interest. The organism named in the study is Dunaliella tertiolecta with a productivity of 30g/m2/day on an annual basis. The paper uses information from Benemann and Oswald (Benemann, J.R. and Oswald, W.J. Systems and economic analysis of microalgae ponds for conversion of CO2 to biomass. Final Report to the Department of Energy, Department of Civil Engineering University of California, Berkeley, 1996.) for some of its design parameters but points out that specific local conditions require different assumptions. For instance there different parameters to consider when the CO2 source is an ammonia plant rather than a coal-fired power installation. This paper examines the greenhouse gas, costs and energy balance on a life-cycle basis for algae grown in salt-water ponds to produce biodiesel and electricity. It points out that the economic viability is highly dependent upon algae with high oil yields capable of production year-round, which it is the authors’ opinion, has yet to be demonstrated on a commercial scale. In other words bio-prospecting is still needed!
Submitted By: Keith E. Cooksey, ABO Board of Directors
Algae in the News
Algal Biomass Organization Questions Accuracy of University of Virginia Algae Life Cycle Study
ABO believes that reliance on obsolete data and faulty assumptions undermines all conclusions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 25, 2010) - The Algal Biomass Organization, today challenged the conclusions of a published report in Environmental Science and Technology claiming that “conventional crops have lower environmental impacts than algae in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and water.” The report was based upon obsolete data and grossly outdated business models, and overlooked tremendous improvements in technology and processes across the production cycle. ABO strongly believes that these obsolete data and faulty assumptions seriously undermine the credibility of the study’s conclusions. View Full Story
Reps. Harry Teague (D-N.M.), Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) Introduce Bill to Boost Algae Biofuels
Congressional efforts are continuing to ensure that algae-based biofuels qualify for federal tax credits. Several companies, including Exxon Mobil Corp., believe algae might one day become a major feedstock for renewable fuels.
Executive Director Mary Rosenthal Testifies Before Congress on Benefits of Algae-Based Fuels
On behalf of its more than 170 members, the ABO's Executive Director Mary Rosenthal testified before Congress today on potential of algae-based fuels to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and increase U.S. energy independence. She also commented on steps legislators can take to ensure algae-based fuels receive benefits and financial incentives similar to those afforded to other biofuel feedstocks. More
Quick Link to ABO Testimony