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.
Reviewer: 7 Criteria Score: 3
Critcal success factors should include development of an accurate Integrated Assessment Framework.
Presenter Response
[4.1] N/C --- [4.2] We agree that ground-truthing is an important issue for assessments of resource use
and algal biofuel production; this is the subject of current and planned work as detailed in Response 1.2b.
Using the GIS capabilities of BAT, it would be relatively straightforward to consider the impacts of sea
level rise in the coastal regions of the national assessment, thereby providing an evaluation of the
sensitivity of microalgae production potential under alternative climate change scenarios. --- [4.3] The
research, methodology, and products developed under the current project provide key building blocks to
realizing the capability of representing the full lifecycle process. The foundation of this realization is
based upon the scalability of the BAT to link lifecycle components in an integrated and flexible manner.
Under WBS 9.6.1.6, this capability is being exercised to bring PNNL-developed spatial analysis and
production models together with the INL-developed system logistics model enabling a "resource to
production to biorefinery" representation of the lifecycle. --- [4.4] N/C --- [4.5] We agree that groundtruthing
is an important issue for assessments of resource use, algal biofuel production, and observational
validation of modeled results; this is the subject of current and planned work as detailed in Response 1.2b.
--- [4.6a] We agree on the need for logistics criteria. Ongoing work (WBS 9.6.1.6) is prioritizing and
optimizing sites that are best suited in the resource to feedstock to refinery portion of the lifecycle by
considering nutrient supply, CO2, water demand and availability, and system logistics including existing
and required infrastructure. [4.6b] N/C --- [4.7] The research, methodology, and products developed
under the current project provide key building blocks to realizing the capability of representing the full
lifecycle process. The foundation of this realization is based upon the scalability of the BAT to link
lifecycle components in an integrated and flexible manner. Under Project 9.6.1.6, “Integrated Assessment
Framework”, this capability is being exercised to bring PNNL-developed spatial analysis and production
models together with the INL-developed system logistics model enabling an integrated "resource to
production to biorefinery" capability.
5. Technology Transfer and Collaborations
Please comment on the degree to which the project adequately interfaces and coordinates with other
institutions and projects to provide additional benefits to the Biomass Program, such as publications,
awards, or others.
Reviewer Comments
Reviewer: 1
There was proposed interaction with NAABB specifically along with some small dissemination plan for
the literature. Somehow this should be made more available to the academic and investigative
communities.
Reviewer: 2
Presentations of model should continue. This model should be very important to other DoE-funded
projects.
Reviewer: 3
Integration of web-based Biomass Assessment Tool into Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework,
coordination with NAABB, collaboration with INL & ANL
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