Microalgae to Biofuel ($5,000,000)
Kai BioEnergy, an advanced bioenergy company, will deploy a microalgae-to-biofuel prototype commercial scale system in Hawaii.
To date, efforts to develop biofuel from microalgae have not resulted in commercially scalable technology that can deliver microalgae biofuel at competitive prices. Kai BioEnergy has developed patented breakthrough technology and proven processes to enable the first economically viable large scale commercial production of low-cost microalgae biofuel for transportation or zero-carbon electricity generation.
The company will incorporate an open system for monoculture cultivation of an indigenous microalgae species and employ technologies to produce 6,500 gallons per acre per year of biodiesel for $1.69 a gallon within an 18-month timeframe. Initial deployment will take place at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA).
Federal funding will be used for personnel, equipment, lease, operating expenses, and services. Once the initial commercial module has been deployed, Kai BioEnergy will seek private equity investment of $25 million and subsequent project financing of $150 million for large scale deployments.
Recipient: Kai BioEnergy
73-4100 Lapaau Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Why this is a good use of taxpayer dollars: Benefits include production of a homegrown, renewable fuel from a natural, non-food microalgae species that does not require arable land or fresh water and that also consumes and reuses carbon dioxide that has already been released into the environment.
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