Sustainable development of algal biofuels in the United States / / Committee on the Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Energy and Environmental Systems, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Research Council of the National Academies.

• TeilnehmendeR: National Research Council (U.S.). Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources,; National Research Council (U.S.). Board on Energy and Environmental Systems,; National Academies Press (U.S.),
• Place / Publishing House: Washington, District of Columbia : : National Academies Press,, [2012]; 2012
• Year of Publication: 2012
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (245 pages) :; color illustrations, color maps

"Biofuels made from algae are gaining attention as a domestic source of renewable fuel. However, with current technologies, scaling up production of algal biofuels to meet even 5 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs could create unsustainable demands for energy, water, and nutrient resources. Continued research and development could yield innovations to address these challenges, but determining if algal biofuel is a viable fuel alternative will involve comparing the environmental, economic and social impacts of algal biofuel production and use to those associated with petroleum-based fuels and other fuel sources. This report was produced at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy."--Provided by publisher.

Table of Contents

Introduction -- Overview of algal biofuel supply chain -- Pathways for algal biofuel production -- Natural resource use -- Environmnental effects -- A framework to assess sustainable development of algal biofuels.