Drop-in replacement biofuels : meeting the challenge

Abstract

This thesis presents a discussion on the challenges that must be met to fulfill the U.S. Navy's strategic imperatives for its energy vision. It provides an introduction to drop-in replacement biofuels, the options amongst the technologies and feedstock available to produce them, their current economic performance and the evolution of their commercialization. In pursuing the latter a detailed examination of the funding path towards commercialization was undertaken. The study found that the U.S. Navy's requirements for drop-in replacement biofuels for aviation are best met by hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel (HRJ). Since feedstock from sources that do not interfere with food markets are preferred, algal oil was identified as extremely promising. The study also found that hydroprocessed fuels are also not yet independently commercially viable. The study identified a critical funding gap between the time startup capital is depleted and prior to reaching the ability to raise capital in the commercial and public markets. Finally a literature survey is performed to address proposals for avoiding this "dcommercialization valley of death", analysis of the proposals and recommendations made for drop-in replacement biofuels.