Looking towards the future, cost-effective alternatives for renewable fuels are desperately needed that will help mitigate the economic, environmental, and national security concerns inherent in our current reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, because our current power industry infrastructure is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, it is important develop technologies that can sequester the carbon dioxide emissions that have lead to mounting concerns about global climate change. One promising alternative that has been demonstrated to successfully address both of these major concerns is to sequester carbon dioxide from power plant exhaust gasses into algae biomass that can subsequently be converted into biofuels and other useful co-products. In comparison to other carbon sequestration options, this approach has the distinct advantage of generating value added products that can help pay for the environmental benefits received.

The goal of this project is to construct an Algae Biodiesel Production Facility at Abott power plant. This facility will sequester some of the flue gases produced at Abott power plant while providing a renewable, carbon neutral fuel source for transportation. The project offers potential for scaling, involves many student organizations and is also expected to be of research interest. Thus, the Student Sustainability Committee is in favor of partially funding the requested amount to the extent of 13,000$