Reviewer Comments - EERE

2011 Algae Platform Review – Reviewer Comments
Reviewer Comments are direct transcripts of commentary and material provided by the Platform’s
Review Panel. They have not been edited or altered by the Biomass Program.
photosynthetic algal process for biofuel production may face a number of significant hurdles, the
scientific basis for success and, in fact, the technical feasibility has already been demonstrated. As noted
in my presentation, the added constraints for successful deployment in northern latitudes, cannot be
ignored. However, this question is not simply one of probability of success, but must also take strategic
value into account.
2. Technical Progress and Accomplishments
Please evaluate the degree to which the project has
made progress in its objectives and stated project management plan
has met its objectives in achieving milestones and overcoming technical barriers
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1 Criteria Score: 4
Progress has slipped behind the original workplan.
Reviewer: 2 Criteria Score: 5
The project is 70% complete and ends in June, 2012. The process of strain discovery and transfer to a
Canadian culture collection is nearly complete. Some aspects of nutrient supply are under investigation.
Reviewer: 3 Criteria Score: 5
Strategy for water sampling developed with NRC. 128 water samples received from Canada in six
separate batches. Strain isolation proceeding well. Reviewer is making a recommendation for the
deposition of useful strains in recognized algal libraries (e.g. UTEX).
Reviewer: 5 Criteria Score: 3
Given the funding level and project period, progress to date (40 strains added to the collection) is very
limited.
Reviewer: 7 Criteria Score: 2
More progress could have been made through literature surveys and consultation with experts.
Presenter Response
2.A. Deposition of strains into a recognized algal culture collections is a good idea. I will share that with
the NRC. 2.B. The funding level is insufficient to support a single technician; the strain isolation progress
is proceeding at a pace commensurate with resources. Much of the early work was focused on the siting
analysis for water sampling and the sampling procedures, the analysis of flue gas, and the development of
a system to supply simulated flue gas in a safe manner. This latter process may seem straightforward, but
was actually more complicated than expected. 2.C. It would be more helpful if you could provide specific
examples of publically available information that could accelerate our progress.
3. Project Relevance
The project both identifies with and contributes to meeting the platform goals and objectives of the
Biomass Program Multi-Year Program Plan
The project has considered applications of the expected outputs
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