DLSU algal biofuel research funded by USAID STRIDE
Microalgae, known as lumot; are microorganisms which grows fast specially when provided with sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients. These are available naturally in ponds, lakes, or can be cultivated using photobioreactor systems and cultivation ponds. Using photosynthesis, it produces essential compounds such as lipids to produce algal biofuel. Microalgae are considered to have high oil yield with respect to the required land compared to other biomass feedstocks. Hence, lessening the impact of land between food and fuel. Assessing the sustainability of the production of algal biofuels in the Philippines, life cycle assessment (LCA) is proposed as a methodology and a framework for the research project. LCA looks at the environmental impact of each process from microalgae cultivation to biodiesel production (cradle-to-gate). The project intends to establish an LCA of algal biofuels in the Philippines. The project involves the University of the Philippines Visayas for large scale cultivation system and the University of Arizona for efficient photobioreactor. Post-cultivation processes shall be conducted in coordination with the Chemistry and the Biology Department of DLSU. The results of the project shall aid decision/policy makers for environmental and energy policy development, and strategic planning of an anticipatory implementation of algal industry in the Philippines.
The Green Energy Technology and Management sub-center of the Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research (CESDR), Gokongwei College of Engineering hosted the launching of the project entitled Life Cycle Assessment of Algal Biofuel in the Philippines last May 15, 2015 at the roof deck of Henry Sy Sr. Hall. The launching was supported by our partners including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program, The University of Arizona, and the University of the Philippines Visayas. The event was also participated by stakeholders from the government, the industry, and the academe together with the USAID STRIDE Chief of Party Dr. David Hall. This project which started last April 16 and will run for a year is made possible with the generous support of the American people through the USAID in partnership with RTI International under the Philippine-US Research Exchange (PURE) Grant. A message was also delivered by Dr. Joel L. Cuello, US collaborator from The University of Arizona; on the significance of algal biofuels and other potential algal products in the Philippines through a skype call. The principal project investigator of the project is Dr. Aristotle T. Ubando, Associate Professor of the Mechanical Engineering Department.