A Novel Platform for Algal Biomass Production Using Cellulosic Mixotrophy Award Number: DE-EE0007562 CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B5.15 Bioenergy Technologies Office Date: 8/29/2016 Location(s): AZ Office(s): Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
September 9, 2016
Estimated Read Time min
A Novel Platform for Algal Biomass Production Using Cellulosic Mixotrophy
Award Number: DE-EE0007562
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B5.15
Bioenergy Technologies Office
Date: 8/29/2016
Location(s): AZ
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Arizona State University (ASU) to demonstrate stable outdoor mixotrophic cultivation at volumetric productivities near 1.0 g/L-day.
Activities associated with the proposed project would include the design, development, fabrication and field testing of advanced algal cultivation systems adapted to mixotrophic cultivation requirements. These activities would be completed by ASU from their AzCATI (Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation) testbed site and the adjacent lab on campus in Mesa, AZ. Additional laboratory activities in support of the field testing include small-scale culturing, analytical assays for biomass characterization, media preparation, biochemical extractions and microscopy. Laboratory cultivations and analyses of resulting biomass for metabolites and proteins produced would be completed at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, NM. In-lab physiological investigations to evaluate composition and traits would be undertaken by Heliae, Inc. from their commercial facilities in Gilbert, AZ. Computational modeling of data would be completed by Colorado State University (CSU) and modeling for techno-economic analysis would be completed by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden, CO. All facilities utilized in both lab work and field studies are pre-existing and purpose-built for the type of activities being proposed; therefore, no adverse impacts to sensitive resources are expected as a result of the proposed project. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities would arise out of this effort. The facilities have all applicable permits in place, and would not need additional permits for the proposed activities.