Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has received a USD25m contract from the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop jet fuel derived from cellulose- and algae-based feedstocks. The award is part of DARPA’s BioFuels programme, which aims to reduce the military’s dependence on conventional fuel. SAIC will work with industry and academic partners to produce algae-based jet fuel at a price of USD3 per gallon.
Technologies and processes to be explored include algae strain selection, water and nutrient sourcing, harvesting, separation and algal oil processing. SAIC will conduct the carry out the project in two phases. The first will comprise technology selection, economic modelling and analysis, and lab-scale production, while the second will target integration and operation of a pre-pilot scale plant.
StrategyEye's related companies: DARPA, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
