algae biofuel, part 2: the dynamics of growth & production samuel coe [email protected] energy...
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Algae Biofuel, Algae Biofuel, Part 2:Part 2:The Dynamics of Growth & ProductionThe Dynamics of Growth & Production
Samuel [email protected] LawFall 2010
OverviewOverviewAlgae Cultivation
◦ Open Pond, Photobioreator and Hybrid SystemsFinding the Right Algae
◦ Aquatic Species ProgramGenetic Engineering
◦ Regulatory ComplicationsPatent ProtectionU.S. Government Algae Policy
◦ International InfluenceFuture Predictions
“The successful growth of algae is more or less an art and a daily tightrope act with the aim of keeping the necessary prerequisites and various unpredictable events involved in algal mass cultivation in a sort of balance” - E. Wolfgang Becker
Pond Pros & Cons Pond Pros & Cons
-Low Costs
-Easy to Operate and Maintain
-High Contamination Risk
-Lots of Water and Space
Hybrid SystemsHybrid SystemsInnoculation
◦Grow the seed and set it free.Wastewater ManagementCarbon Capture
Algae Bioreactor attached to smoke stack at power plant.
Finding the Right Algae Finding the Right Algae Over 40,000 species of algae
have been identified, likely hundreds of thousands more to be discovered
Aquatic Species ProgramAquatic Species ProgramU.S. Dep. of Energy & National
Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)1978 – 19963,000 species of algae studied
and analyzed, only 51 labeled “high value”
Genetic Genetic “Biomanufacturing”“Biomanufacturing”
Biological Secretion of LipidsNo Need for Costly Physical Extraction
Genetically-Engineered Genetically-Engineered Algae RegulationsAlgae Regulations
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)Plant Protection Act (PPA)Conflicting Regulatory Agencies –
E.P.A. v. U.S.D.A?
Plant PatentsPlant Patents
35 U.S.C.A § 161: “Whoever invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant, including cultivated sports, mutants, hybrids, and newly found seedlings, other than a tuber propagated plant or a plant found in an uncultivated state, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.”
The Pros & Cons of Algae The Pros & Cons of Algae PatentsPatents
Increased Incentive for InventionIP Assets to Attract Further
InvestmentBig Oil Patent Hunting?Litigation Risks
U.S. Algae PolicyU.S. Algae PolicyEnergy Independence and Security Act
(EISA)◦ Section 228: Algal Biomass (R & D)
American Recovery & Reinvestment ActMaking Amends for Past Neglect?
International AlgaeInternational AlgaeChina, Japan, Argentina, New
Zealand, India, & more have joined the algae game
Future PredictionsFuture Predictions
Biofuel Vehicles “Green” Buildings
More Research & DevelopmentFurther Private & Government
InvestmentClearer Regulatory & Statutory
Guidelines for Algae Businesses