Our Vision: ASU's Bioenergy Portfolio

One of the challenges in making renewable energy sources a viable alternative for fossil fuels is their inherently transient nature: solar energy is dependent on light flux, wind energy on wind speed, etc. Also, the energy product generated usually is electricity, which is not easily transportable over large distances, and is generally unsuitable to power vehicles. If alternative energy approaches are to ever represent more than a small fraction of the world’s energy usage, it is critical that we learn to convert them into high density, transportable, long shelf-life energy forms. ASU is committed to performing use-inspired research where research in basic science leads to results of high social impact expediently. Together with our increasing diversity of partners, we have formulated an innovative portfolio of approaches for producing renewable, green energy that is cost-effective, carbon-neutral, and conserves high-value land. One of our efforts, Cyanobacterial Biodiesel (Tubes in the Desert), has already emerged from basic science research into a translational phase. Another, Algal-Based Biofuels and Biomaterials, has already moved from the laboratory to field pilot-scale demonstration and production. We have efforts in a variety of other areas that are now or will soon be ready for translational approaches, including: Biomimetic Photovoltaics & Artificial Photosynthesis; Novel Catalysts; Biohydrogen from Cyanobacteria; Novel Fuel Cells; and Methanogenesis and Increased Bioavailability.