Reviewer Comments - EERE
Reviewer Comments - EERE
Reviewer Comments - EERE
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
2011 Algae Platform Review – <strong>Reviewer</strong> <strong>Comments</strong><br />
<strong>Reviewer</strong> <strong>Comments</strong> are direct transcripts of commentary and material provided by the Platform’s<br />
Review Panel. They have not been edited or altered by the Biomass Program.<br />
<strong>Reviewer</strong>: 4 Criteria Score: 10<br />
See Overall Impressions text.<br />
<strong>Reviewer</strong>: 5 Criteria Score: 5<br />
Although the project has considered applications of its outputs, it is very unclear how relevant the results<br />
will be to large-scale applications.<br />
<strong>Reviewer</strong>: 6 Criteria Score: 5<br />
The key question is relevant to what? If its commercial production of microalgae under conditions that<br />
can be supported in open pond culture, at that scale, this work is not relevant. If the relevance is to basic<br />
scientific understanding of diatom metabolism with respect to lipid biosynthesis, then this is extremely<br />
relevant.<br />
<strong>Reviewer</strong>: 7 Criteria Score: 6<br />
Baseline and long term goals for strain performance would clarify and emphasize relevance. A method<br />
and partner for evaluating commercial potential needs to be identified.<br />
Presenter Response<br />
One can see the relevance of microorganism production of lipid studies. The exact relevance of this to<br />
OBP program could be better delineated. What are the targets for this project?<br />
Response: Targets are to develop procedures for improving strains (see slide 5 and 26). ----------------------<br />
----------------------------------------------------------<br />
The basic science, including genomic tools being developed, have the potential to make a strong<br />
contribution to feedstock development for biofuels. No response. ------------------------------------------------<br />
--------------------------------<br />
Improving microalgal lipid accumulation characteristics will have a major impact on biofuels production.<br />
Response: This is exactly the point for questions by other reviewers related to the relevance of the<br />
research. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
See Overall Impressions text. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Although the project has considered applications of its outputs, it is very unclear how relevant the results<br />
will be to large-scale applications. Response: We will never know the answer to that question unless we<br />
do the work and test the strains under production conditions. Cost analysis justifies the effort. --------------<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
The key question is relevant to what? If its commercial production of microalgae under conditions that<br />
can be supported in open pond culture, at that scale, the answer is that this work is not relevant. If the<br />
relevance is to basic scientific understanding of diatom metabolism with respect to lipid biosynthesis,<br />
then this is extremely relevant.<br />
Response: What is the basis for the conclusion that this will not work at scale? To our knowledge there<br />
are no studies demonstrating this. We will never know the answer to that question unless we do the work<br />
and test the strains under production conditions. That is the goal of this project.<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Page 60 of 223
Change language