Dr. Richard Sayre, Director of the ERAC Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Donald Danforth Center Plant Science Center

How important are Federal grants for algae research at this stage in the development of the algae industry? Why?

Federal grants are essential for supporting basic research on fundamental and applied sciences for algal biofuels. If we are to realize and maximize algal biofuel and bio-product production, we need greater understanding of algal biology at the molecular, biochemical and physiological levels. We also need to develop advanced, low-cost algal harvesting and oil extraction technologies that have reduced energy demands. Algal biomass production systems are at a stage in their development to where corn was in the 1940s. Fortunately, with the new tools of biology and engineering, we can more rapidly realize the full potential of algal biofuel production systems in the next 5 years. The recent major federal grant investments in algal biofuel systems will help us realize this potential much sooner.

Where do you feel the algae industry would be right now if there had not been any federal grants?

The federal investments in algal biofuel production systems, particularly the matching investments with industry, have sent a strong signal to the industry that government policy makers and research scientists recognize that algae can be a major part of our sustainable, energy independence policy. The federal support provides confidence to the industry and to entrepreneurs to make the kinds of investments in pilot plants and research facilities that will move the industry more rapidly towards commercialization and profitability. It is my opinion that without the federal investment that industrial investment would have come at a much slower pace.

Dr. Richard Sayre
Director of the ERAC Institute for Renewable Fuels
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
http://www.DanforthCenter.org