General Atomics is developing the technology necessary to economically produce biofuels derived from microalgae.
Our national economy is dependent on hydrocarbon oil imports to fuel our transportation system. Secure and affordable transportation fuel is a serious national issue that is subject to many outside forces. An assured domestic supply of fuel is vital to our national economy.
Research has shown that algae can produce substantial quantities of bio-oils. In fact, it may be possible to produce enough biodiesel from microalgae to supply all U.S. transportation fuel requirements. Such a renewable fuel could have an important economic and political value to the United States.
Past work by the Department of Energy (DOE) Aquatic Species program and others demonstrated algae biodiesel proof-of-principle, but was not able to achieve economical production. A number of key innovations have been identified to reduce the cost of oil production with microalgae.
General Atomics is currently engaged in research and development of the microalgae technology necessary for our country to transition away from hydrocarbon oil imports toward an economy based on renewable, sustainable and secure biofuels derived from totally U.S.-grown microalgae.
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