The energy problem is comprised of three converging challenges: resource depletion, climate change, and violent extremism funded by the energy trade. Solving this problem will require the development of a fuel or technology that satisfies our needs for an energy source that is abundant, domestically produced, and compatible with our environmental objectives. While first-generation biofuels such as corn-based ethanol or soy-based biodiesel are posed as solutions, they receive much criticism because they require fossil fuel inputs, have extensive environmental impacts, and compete with food production for arable land and freshwater. Consequently, developing biofuels that avoid these pitfalls while achieving abundant and economic production is a remarkable opportunity for the energy industry.

In this context, algae-based biofuels appear very promising. They grow quickly, consume CO2 during photosynthesis, produce significant quantities of high-quality oils, do not need arable land, and can be produced with brackish or saline water. Moreover, their byproducts might serve as useful feedstock for biomaterials, foodstuffs, or as biomass to be burned for heat and power. As a result, venture and R&D activity in the field of algae-based biofuels has boomed the last few years, including a looming resurgence from the U.S. Department of Energy, where its aquaculture program was officially suspended a decade ago.

Despite the large-scale potential and optimism surrounding algae, many hurdles remain. This panel will tackle both the promise and the potential pitfalls of pondscum to products by tackling these questions:

* What are the technical limitations that need to be overcome for a viable algae industry?
* How long will it take to bring algae-based fuels to market?
* What will be the role of startups vs. traditional petrochemical industry?
* What are the regulatory hurdles for algae?
* Where are the government and private financing dollars going for research and commercialization of algae?
* What are the environmental impacts of algae?
* Are algae ponds the oilfields of the future?
* Is algae just another fad?

 

Date:	November 19, 2008
Time:	Time: 5:00-6:00 Registration, Networking, and Product Demonstrations 6:00-8:00 Panel Discussion
Location:	JJ Pickle Auditorium -The Commons Conference Center 10100 Burnet Road Austin, TX 78758 The Lil’ Tex Auditorium
Moderator	Dr. Michael Webber, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin
Speakers:	Joel Serface - Entrepreneur in Residence, Kleiner Perkins Dr. Robert Hebner - Director of Center for Electromechanics, The University of Texas at Austin Norm Whitton - President, Sunrise Ridge Al Darzins - Principal Researcher, National Bio Energy Center, NREL, DOE
RSVP:	Register Here
Cost:	$20 Pre-Registration Fee/ $30 at the door (cash or check only)