Biofuels made from algae are gaining attention as a domestic source of renewable fuel. However, with current technologies, scaling up production of algal biofuels to meet even 5 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs could create unsustainable demands for energy, water, and nutrient resources. Continued research and development could yield innovations to address these challenges, but determining if algal biofuel is a viable fuel alternative will involve comparing the environmental, economic and social impacts of algal biofuel production and use to those associated with petroleum-based fuels and other fuel sources. Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels was produced at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Overview of Algal Biofuel Supply Chain
3 Pathways for Algal Biofuel Production
4 Natural Resource Use
5 Environmental Effects
6 A Framework to Assess Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels
Appendixes
Appendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
Appendix B: Statement of Task
Appendix C: Presentations to the Committee
Appendix D: Glossary
Appendix E: Select Acronyms and Abbreviations
Appendix F: Conversion Factors
Appendix G: Economics of Coproduct Production from Large-Scale Algal Biofuels Systems