General Atomics is involved 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.
Our national economy is dependent on hydrocarbon oil imports to fuel our transportation system. An assured domestic supply of fuel is vital to our nation’s economic growth.
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) 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 has achieved outstanding success in its algal research for the U.S. biofuels program, advancing federal research and technology capabilities significantly Our researchers continue to seek solutions to the challenges ahead.