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.
analysis, we estimated a need for 32.3 million dry metric tons grown on about 11,000 km2 to meet
nominal biofuels targets (i.e., a 1% gasoline replacement target). Additionally, we noted
recommendations from the Pew Oceans Commission that marine aquaculture needs to move to offshore
waters due to competition with existing uses or restrictions in nearshore marine environments.
Developing the tool for locating production sites in U.S. waters, which do not conflict with existing uses
or regulations, was considered a first-order need. Quantifying production potential and identifying
potential cultivation sites are critical for our objectives and, after a baseline has been established, a
comparison to other feedstocks will be useful. Other considerations related to infrastructure needs,
economics, and environmental impact and life cycles analysis would be expected to be addressed in
follow-on projects once siting selection questions are addressed. 1.2.1. Our study is based on having
conducted thorough reviews of the relevant literature. We have conducted an extensive literature reviews
on macroalgae and biofuels both prior to and during this study. These have resulted in two documents: (1)
Roesijadi et al. 2008. Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis of Offshore Seaweed Farming for Bioenergy
and Biobased Products, PNWD-3931 (175 references) and (2) the FY 2010 deliverable, Roesijadi et al.
2010. Macroalgae as a Biomass Feedstock: A Preliminary Analysis. Technical Report 19944 (73
references). The former covered biology of seaweeds, the seaweed industry, biobased seaweed products,
offshore seaweed farms, structures and technologies for offshore farms, environmental factors,
environmental impacts, seaweed biotechnology, and preliminary techno-economic feasibility. The latter
added preliminary resource analyses of production in the United States; the macroalgae-to-market supply
chain (cultivation, harvest, preprocessing, types of biofuels, and conversion technology for macroalgae);
preliminary economic assessment; and preliminary life cycle analysis. The initial steps for developing the
GIS model concept involved a separate literature review of algal species and relevant production data,
infrastructure needs, and competing uses based on both algal operations as well as other marine and
coastal operations. Spatial analysis approaches in aquaculture and studies on macroalgal production were
reviewed. This literature forms the basis of our analysis. We conduct ongoing searches routinely. 1.2.2.
The conceptual macroalgae growth model includes critical variables including solar radiation
(photosynthetically active radiation), turbidity/light penetration, sea surface winds, water temperature,
salinity, and nutrients
1.3. NC 1.4. NC 1.5. NC 1.6. NC
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: 3
No progress, even on literature assessment.
Reviewer: 2 Criteria Score: 1
The presenter stated (mistakenly), that no macroalgal production now exists in the US. It is important to
review the published literature on of current or recent harvesting and aquaculture projects. The project
should give more attention to realistic amounts of sea surface, biomass to gasoline conversion and amount
of gasoline needed. Among the critical factors not currently in the model would be the depth, storm
frequency, types of algae (biomass potential) that could be grown or harvested in different areas of the US
exclusion zone.
The model did not appear to include any cost factors for offshore development of algae.
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