Arizona is famous (or infamous) for its dry, desert climate, and abundance of sun and land. This also makes it a prime location for farming algae. Additionally, because of the state’s coal-fired power plants, there is currently a mass quantity of carbon dioxide that will help enhance algae growth and production.

Algae production, as opposed to some biofuels, has a higher yield from fewer resources, and it can be farmed on non-potable land (unlike corn used for ethanol). Scientists have known for some time that algae are rich in lipids and oils that can be extracted and converted to fuel. ASU researchers have discovered certain algal strains that are particularly rich in oils and have built more efficient bioreactors to harvest those strains. The bioreactors are filled with water, nutrients, and algae; when exposed to the sun, algae growth is accelerated. These bioreactors can be found on a variety of buildings on both the Tempe and Polytechnic campuses along with the Intel Ocotillo facility in Chandler. ASU researchers have also begun developing methods to use algae for biodiesel and jet biofuel.

ASU’s AzCati facility and Laboratory for Algae Research and Biotechnology (LARB) have received several million dollars in grants from a variety of sources including Science Foundation Arizona, Heliae Development, and the Department of Energy.

In 2009, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) rated Phoenix, AZ as the top potential place for algal biofuel production in the United States.

Last year’s Algal Biomass Summit (ABO) drew about 800 of the world’s leading industry representatives and energy scientists to showcase algal research right in the prominent algal-fuel research hub that is Phoenix.

ASU’s Bruce Rittman, director of the Center of Environmental Biotechnology at the Biodesign Institute says the technology needed to mass-produce algae technology is about 4 or 5 years away, but the U.S. infrastructure required to make algae a major fuel source is about 15 to 20 years away. However, Rittman notes that when the U.S. is finally poised to begin using algae as a major fuel source, Arizona will reap great benefits.

Rittman also says, “There is a growing realization in this country and around the world of the importance of sustainability. We have to shift away from fossil fuels, especially petroleum. There are skeptics who say biofuels are too expensive, but when you factor in things like climate change and the eventual cost of that, we don’t look expensive at all.”

What Rittman draws attention to is the necessity for continued research and development so that researchers are able to find ways to drop the current cost of algae biofuel from $20 per gallon to $4 or $5 per gallon. Costs alone are not isolated to production. If we factor in military pursuits, costs of human lives, and the various effects on climate and the environment, the cost of oil is much higher than often reported, and these factors should be reflected in comparisons because those externalities come at a price.

ASU researchers continue to develop new technology and methodologies for algal biofuel. Algae biofuel production offers a sustainable, renewable energy source with great potential, and Arizona is the prime locale in which to produce it.

Learn more about ASU’s algae research facilities, researchers, and presence at the upcoming ABO Summit in Minneapolis, MN.

Entering college is daunting for many. Your mind is filled with unanswered questions and you’re pressured and stressed because now is the time you make a huge decision that is going to determine the course your life is going to take. Common questions you might have are what should I major in, is this the right choice for me, and does this major have a good job outlook?

Over the years, the green job outlook has been steadily increasing, giving graduates with an expertise in sustainability an edge. College around the world offer degrees dealing with sustainability, and Arizona State University is no exception. ASU offers several different degrees and concentrations that will give you the expertise you need to land a green job and help to create a sustainable future.

1. Architectural Studies

Architecture has become more than just designing and building intricate homes. The sustainable aspect of architecture includes the building material, overall design of the building, building placement, and renewable energy generation within the building. The major in Architectural studies at ASU will teach students how to design and build intricate buildings, while also focusing on the sustainability aspect of architecture. >> Click here to learn more

2. Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)

Biological sciences with a concentration in conservation biology and ecology gives students a close up look at biodiversity and the ways in which we can conserve it. Students delve into the subjects of climate change, endangered species conservation, urban ecology, and more. Sustaining biodiversity in different areas of the world is a one of the main focuses of this major. >> Click here to learn more

3. Business (Sustainability)

Sustainability has become an increasingly important role in business in the past few decades. Consumers are now demanding sustainability, and businesses are responding—whether that is by installing solar panels, using recyclable material, or hiring graduates with expertise in sustainability. The Business major with a concentration in sustainability teaches students the inner (and outer!) workings of business while focusing on the sustainability aspect of it. >> Click here to learn more

4. Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry)

 

This “hard sciences” meets “soft sciences” major explore new materials, solutions, and processes as it applies to chemistry. Students study topics such as biochemistry, analytical chemistry, organic/inorganic chemistry, and more. The concentration in Environmental Chemistry allows students to learn how to use chemistry to solve the Earth’s environmental problems. This major prepares students for jobs such as Biofuels Technology Managers, Climate Change Analysts, Environmental Scientists, and more. >> Click here to learn more

5. Civil Engineering (Environmental/Sustainable Engineering)

 

In addition to learning the design, analysis, planning, building, maintenance, and application of infrastructure, students with a concentration in either environmental or sustainable engineering learn how to combine sustainable practices with civil engineering. Schools, dams, airports, factories, office buildings, and highways all have the potential to be sustainable—it is these students jobs to figure out how. >> Click here for Environmental Engineering >>Click here for Sustainable Engineering

6. Earth and Environmental Studies

Earth and Environmental Studies majors take an in-depth look at sustainable human societies and the human civilizations impact of the Earth. Topics and teachings include geosciences, climate change, evolution, water conservation, and more. This major prepares students to enter the “green” job field and can provide students the opportunity to work in the government, in nonprofits, in education, in consultancy, and more. >> Click here to learn more

7. Environmental Technology Management

 

This major combines science, technology, management, and sustainability to provide students with the skills they need to excel in the field of environmental technology. Students learn environmental chemistry and law, as well as green technologies and international environmental management. In addition to sciences and sustainability courses, students are also required to take project management and technical communications courses. >> Click here to learn more

8. Mechanical Engineering (Energy +Environment)

 

Mechanical engineering deals with the design, construction, and implementation of devices. The concentration in energy and environment allows students to see how air pollution, climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability play a role in mechanical engineering. Graduates of this major are at an advantage because they are able to work in virtually any industry. >> Click here to learn more

9. Sustainability

 

Well what do you know? One of the ASU degrees that tackle sustainability is Sustainability itself. Offered as both a BS and BA major, a degree in sustainability lets students tackle real world problems and explore a variety of environmental issues. The BS in sustainability focuses more on environmental economics and sustainable energy and technology, while the BA in sustainability focuses more on policy, society, development, and dynamics. >> Click here for Sustainability BS  >>Click here for Sustainability BA

10. Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism)

 

Sustainable tourism is something that has steadily grown in popularity and this major with a concentration in sustainable tourism prepares students to work in one of the largest industries. Students learn how sustainability applies to tourist destinations and development within those areas. Planning and management play a key role in this major, as these aspects allow students to have a solid understanding of the tourism industry. >> Click here to learn more

Talk about moving up in the world. An undergraduate working in the Solar Power Lab at Arizona State, Steven Limpert, was congratulated by many after he received a grant by the Circumnavigators Club Foundation. This grant will allow Limpert to travel to different countries in Summer 2011 to study the development of solar technologies and the commercial market.