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.
encouraging results if reasonable scale up could be accomplished, perhaps by tapping other available
feedstocks available in particular locations.
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
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1 Criteria Score: 5
There is moderate relevance in that data on products and productivity will be forthcoming. Some of the
products are not as valuable as projected, and conclusions should be provided in a controlled manner.
Several details of how the experiments were conducted, and the lack of appreciation for some of the
details argue for review beforehand. One example was the specific comments on the addition of
significant levels of manure which contain organic acids, and the lack of correction for them.
Reviewer: 3 Criteria Score: 7
This project entails efforts at demonstrating low hydrolysis and fermentation costs, as well as an
integrated bio and thermochemical platform.
Reviewer: 5 Criteria Score: 7
Excellent example of use of local resources for alcohol production, with potential use in other
coastal/forested areas. However, it is unclear that this type of local resource utilization project could be
scaled to meet significant transportation needs.
Reviewer: 6 Criteria Score: 7
The final products are appropriate fuels for the DOE Program. It’s good to look at other products than just
biodiesel.
Reviewer: 7 Criteria Score: 3
It appaears that the potential fuel volumes from this process are very small. The mixed alcohols produced
may have unique charactoristics which, combined with the small volumes, make it a nuiscence for fuel
production.
Presenter Response
There is moderate relevance in that data on products and productivity will be forthcoming. Some of the
products are not as valuable as projected, and conclusions should be provided in a controlled manner.
Several details of how the experiments were carried out, and the lack of appreciation for some of the
details argue for review beforehand. Specific comments on the addition of significant levels of manure
with organic acids, and the lack of correction for them is an example. Details on experimental methods
are documented in our quarterly reports. Time constraints of the presentation precluded giving many
details on procedures. I checked back with my research student and he confirmed that, indeed as shown in
the fermentation time plot, the initial acid concentration in the fermentation was near zero, indicating very
little initial contribution of organic acids from the manure. The manure may have been free of acids
because it was dried and acids originally present may have volatilized prior to the manure addition to the
fermentation.
Excellent example of use of local resources for alcohol production with potential use in other
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