We have gotten many requests for information about what is typically inlcuded in an algae-related feasibility study. We have also been asked for examples of completed studies. Unfortunately, we have not been able to comply with these requests. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that our clients prefer to keep this information confidential. But we have done enough of these studies to offer a general outline (below) of the types of information for which our clients are often looking. This should give you a good idea of both the types of information being requested and the kinds of services we provide:
[This is about us, who we are and what we have done in the past.]
2.0 TECHNCIAL APPROACH
Background:
[This is where we give our understanding of the client's company, its technology and its goals. It puts everyone on the same page.]
Proposed Technical Feasibility Study:
[This is where we outline our approach to meet the goals stated above. It is usually a series of tasks and subtasks. Deliverables and a schedule are also included, although I left most of that off in this example to keep things abbreviated.]
Task 1. Review of previous and ongoing algae-to-biofuels projects. [Who's the competition and how are they doing?]
Subtask A.A review of projects which are demonstrating apparent “success” in their quest for commercialization. [To accomplish this subtask, we develop criteria by which to measure “success.” Criteria may include productivity estimates (e.g., gallons/acre, tons of biomass/acre), technology breakthroughs, energy balance (value of algae produced versus cost of production), etc.]
Subtask B. A review of project failures. [Using the criteria for success developed above, we will identify those projects that have clearly failed to reach a threshold necessary for commercialization.]
Subtask C. A review and inspection of the client's pilot or laboratory facilities . [In order to understand the implications of other technologies to the client's (subtask D, below), we need to thoroughly understand the client's technology and processes. This is best accomplished by a site visit prior to undertaking the feasibility study.]
Subtask D. Key implications for the client. [We develop “lessons learned” from the reviews conducted in subtasks A and B, above. Recommendations are prepared which relate directly to the client's technology and processes.]
Subtask E. Competitive benchmarking and analysis. [Benchmarking is usually conducted to assess performance characteristics and metrics for algal biofuel producers. Dimensions measured often include quality, time, and cost. Specific characteristics will include those listed in Subtask A as well as other criteria that may become evident based upon research. The goal of this subtask is to allow the client a basis for comparison of its processes with those of its peers.]
Task 2. Analysis of the current state of existing pilot facilities and production processes. For this type of task, we often suggest 2 subtasks:
Subtask A. Review of existing pilot facilities and production processes. [We will review available public information on pilot projects and production processes being used by the major algae-to-biofuels players as defined in Task 1, above. we will prepare a matrix which (1) delineates the major steps in their production process, including cultivation, harvesting, de-watering and oil extraction, (2) identifies, in those cases where the algal biomass is used for power generation, the process used (e.g., gasification, combustion, etc.) and (3) indicates sources of CO2 for cultivation as well as any efforts undertaken to recycle the gas.]
Subtask B. Risk Assessment. [We will identify any key risks and potential constraints associated with the projects studied above. These may include such things as water, energy and/or climatic requirements (for a better understanding of this subtask, see the "Dallas Example" on this website). Factors such as these could have a major impact on commercialization. In addition, regulatory and legal risks will be assessed including implications for technical limitations such as water usage and market drivers such as RPS (renewable portfolio standards).]
Task 3. Summary and Recommendations. [We will prepare a detailed summary of our findings and reviews as well as specific recommendations related to the potential competitiveness of the client's technology. Recommendations will also be provided for any additional areas that might benefit from further analysis.]
Limitations:
[We try to be up-front about any potential limitations to the feasibility study. For example, there are literally hundreds of companies, universities and partnerships that are actively exploring algae-based biofuels with an eye towards commercialization, precluding an exhaustive review within any reasonable time constraint. In light of this, we might propose to identify and concentrate on key players that appear to be technologically advanced, well capitalized and in the forefront of the industry. Poprietary Information can be an issue as well. Information on specific companies and processes is often limited due to confidentiality concerns and we might be constrained by the information that is publically available. In this case, we make our best effort to supplement this information, where possible, with our own knowledge, industry contacts and telephone interviews.]
