
General Atomics of San Diego is working on a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency project to acquire triglyceride oil and JP-8 jet fuel from a photosynthetic organism.
Under the $43 million contract, GA will lead a team that will seek not only to generate an appropriate level or productivity but also a level of affordability that will make the effort worthwhile.
The 36-month program will explore algae “selection and growth; water, carbon dioxide and nutrient supply; algae harvesting; oil extraction; and, conversion to JP-8.”