What does an algae biofuels expert do? Microalgae, commonly known as algae, are very small aquatic organisms that convert sunlight into energy. Some of these algae store energy in the form of natural oils and under proper conditions, can produce a lot of oil that can be converted into biofuels. It is believed that algae could produce up to 60 times more oil per acre than land-based plants, and it is known to generate at least fifteen times more oil than other plant sources like corn, soybean, sunflower, etc. Extract that oil, and we have the raw materials to make ‘drop-in’ biofuels like biodiesel, biobutanol, bio-ethanol, bio-gasoline, biopower, green diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (jet fuel). The hope is that in the future, anything that runs on gasoline and diesel could also use biofuel from algae. There are a variety of other high-value products from algae being produced at commercial scales including nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Research is progressing quite nicely with commercial scale plants now beginning operation. There are over 100,000 different strains of algae, and some grow better in different climates, or in freshwater, saltwater, or even wastewater. Algae can be cultivated in saltwater and wastewaters, and algae have been actively explored for producing ‘drop-in’ biofuels like biodiesel, biobutanol, bio-ethanol, bio-gasoline, biopower, green diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (jet fuel). There are a variety of other high-value products from algae being produced at commercial scales including nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. An algae biofuels expert or consultant will have the education, knowledge, and experience of methods and processes for cultivating, harvesting, and converting algae into these target products of value. An algae biofuels and byproducts consultant has the knowledge and experience of methods and processes (cultivation, harvesting, and conversion) required for producing the target products of the value stated above.
Among its 150+ experts, Lee Enterprises Consulting has a wide range of services in bioenergy, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks. We certainly have specialists in algae. In facts, Our feedstock section handles feedstock analysis, forecasting, and hedging, and matters involving conventional grains, oilseeds, fats & greases, energy crops, forest, pulp & paper, wood-related matters, plastics, rubber and latex, algae, biogas, CO2, methane, glycerin, solid recovered fuels, hemp, glycerin, and a variety of waste related matters like municipal solid waste (MSW), agriculture waste, landfill waste, wood, plastic food, and fermentation wastes, construction waste, waste oils, and wastewater, sludge and more.
Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters. A good overview of our group is found in this video. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.