Bioenergy Summary

Arizona State University (ASU) has been a pioneer in the understanding of photosynthesis and bioenergy research for over twenty years. ASU is committed to performing use-inspired research where research in basic science leads to results of high social impact expediently. ASU‘s unique interdisciplinary approach leverages not only world-class scientific innovation but also supports development of “real world” solutions with an “industrial-style” program management capability. The approach includes:

Fundamental research looking to learn from the biological world including:

• research into how photosynthetic organisms store energy and develop similar processes that can be utilized in man-made systems (artificial photosynthesis)
• discovering new energy transfer pathways in microorganisms using metagenomics and other state-of-the-art techniques
• metabolically manipulating and engineering organisms for bioenergy production, including hydrogen, ethanol, and bio-diesel

State of the art sustainable engineering approaches including:

• designing and optimizing bioreactors and production processes for sustainable bioenergy production
• better understanding the nature, role and impact of photosynthetic organisms on environmental processes, climate, and human activities
• investigating the societal implications of bioenergy use and informing the general public about photosynthesis and the transition to the post-petroleum world

Commitment to translating ideas into real-world solutions such as

• working closely with our partners to develop sustainable small solar energy collection/storage devices to deliver electricity to the two billion poor that currently are without such service
• developing green transportation solutions from bacteria and algae for a post-petroleum world. The Cyanobacterial Biodiesel effort (Tubes in the Desert), has already emerged from basic science research into a translational phase with a large energy company. Another project, Algal-Based Biofuels and Biomaterials, has already moved from the laboratory to field pilot-scale demonstration and production. Fuel from these sources should be commercially available within five years.
• Other efforts that are now or will soon be ready for translational approaches, include: Biomimetic Photovoltaics & Artificial Photosynthesis; Novel Catalysts; Biohydrogen from Cyanobacteria; and Novel Fuel Cells.

Increasing general and technical knowledge by communicating our findings to the broader world and engaging in extensive education and outreach activities at the K-12, college, community and professional levels

ASU, in concert with industrial partners who bring significant expertise in commercially viable production and large-scale energy processing technologies, is well positioned to bring a variety of options for renewable energy sources to the market. Our research portfolio offers an unmatched opportunity to pursue high density, transportable, long shelf-life forms and novel solutions for mobile or local power production. Each approach offers compelling economic advantages and leads to “green and local” alternative energy capabilities that are likely to contribute significantly to national and international renewable energy generation.