Report Title:

Algae Pilot Project; Biodiesel; NELHA; $3,000,000 to UH

Description:

Appropriates $3,000,000 in research and development funding to the University of Hawaii for a five-acre marine algae pilot project to produce biodiesel, based at the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1001
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR A MARINE ALGAE PILOT PROJECT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that while ethanol can be used in cars, biodiesel or bio-jet fuel is needed for heavy transportation, ships, and potentially jetliners.  One means with excellent potential for producing biodiesel fuel is to extract it from algae, especially salt water or marine algae.  Algae can produce vastly more biofuel oil per acre than any other source.  For example, using current technology for producing marine algae, six thousand gallons per acre of biodiesel from algae is a realistic production target.  This compares to a fuel yield of only fifteen hundred gallons per acre for sugarcane ethanol produced using the Brazilian method.  Algae uses no fresh water and far less land than any other biofuel crop, and can be grown on any land that is near the ocean.  Algae from sea water would have the added benefit of consuming excess carbon dioxide as an aid to algae growth, reducing a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

     Hawaii's bio-scientists have developed the technology to make biodiesel cheaply, and sea water algae technology for a global industry could be expanded in Hawaii for replication in other jurisdictions.  With potentially high yields per acre, the cost per gallon could prove far superior to Malaysian-style palm kernel oil grown in Hawaii.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii for the research and development of a five-acre pilot project, to be located at the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii, to produce biodiesel from marine algae.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, for the research and development of a five-acre pilot project, to be located at the natural energy laboratory of Hawaii, to produce biodiesel from marine algae.

     SECTION 3.  The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:

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