“Farm to Fuel” Grants Program Winners
Florida Institute of Technology
Project Title: A Novel Process for the Production of Biofuels and Animal Feed from Microalgae
Proposer: Florida Institute of Technology
Contact Person: John Politano, (321) 674-7587
Project Location: Vero Beach, Florida
Grant Funds Awarded: $415,520
Cost Share: $507,419
Project Description:
This is a research and development project in which Florida Institute of Technology, along with its partner Aurora Biofuels Inc., is developing what it describes as the next generation of biofuels – biodiesel from microalgae. Its potential is promising as microalgae is naturally oily, grows quickly, produces more bio-oil per acre than traditional crops and can be grown on marginal land unsuitable for food crops. The project calls for the cultivation and testing of microalgae in outdoor ponds for the purpose of selecting specific strains capable of resisting contamination and showing the greatest promise in producing biodiesel. One of the key benefits of the research is to develop a novel source for biodiesel that does not strain the food supply chain and can be developed in rural areas without depleting natural resources.
