Ohio Technology Leaders Explore Ohio-Based Renewable Hydrocarbon Fuels for Military Applications
:: 08 November, 2009
A consortium of three non-profit organizations – Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) in Cleveland, Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC) in Dayton and the Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT) in Toledo – is collaborating on a multi-disciplinary effort to explore the technical and economic feasibility of producing aviation fuel for the United States Air Force from renewable resources grown in Ohio. Over the past several years, research has shown that naturally occurring algae can be grown, harvested and converted to biofuels. The work of this consortium is projected to show that Ohio has the capability to develop this biomass resource into a thriving agricultural-based product. Renewable fuel products can create significant new business and job opportunities in Ohio, as well as enhance national energy security by providing domestic aviation fuel sources.
Through the 2009 Department of Defense Appropriation Bill, Congress appropriated $2M for this project, which was subsequently awarded to the three-member consortium by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The project focuses on the following:
*The technical and economic feasibility of producing liquid fuels from high oil producing Ohio-grown algae
*The potential for creating a carbon-neutral fuel source
*The chemical analyses of oil produced by various algae species and production processes
To further accelerate commercialization, it is anticipated that ongoing market analysis and product development efforts will be supported by the creation of an Ohio algae-to-fuel working group.
In a joint statement, Dr. Michael Heil, President of OAI, Frank Svet, EMTEC President and CEO, and David Beck, President of CIFT, said they "are pleased to be a part of this excellent team to further develop algae-to-oil technologies in Ohio for military fuel applications. This project allows Ohio to become a leader in developing large, innovative, advanced new domestic fuel sources for use in both military and consumer transportation applications."In addition, they "believe this technology can be a significant breakthrough providing unique opportunities to create substantial technology, economic and market impact."
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