Re: [GBlist] Biomass-derived ethanol

["Richard Nelson" <ricknelson@videotron.ca>]

Dear Ian Nicholson,

Enhanced CO2 sequestration in Biomass - a feedstock for biofuel

In particular we see an vast opportunity for the implementation of rooftop and rooflevel biomass technology that we call Phytotechnology for the production of plants in CO2 enriched atmosphere as an enhanced process to sequester CO2 in biofuel reserves. The technology is ready - the roofs are available - the plants are easily mass produced - solar energy is available everywhere - buildings will benefit from greatly reduced cooling load - thousands of urban jobs can be created - loss of agriculture land to urban expansion is mitigated - the heat island effect in urban centers can be reduced - clean water is collected from these roofs - water conservation is achieved by the Phytotechnology process Photosynthesis creates clean biofuels that can feed clean combustion or fuel cell conversion to produce electricity.

The production of Blue/Green algae in 2000 PPM enriched CO2 atmosphere resulted (Arthur D Little) in solar energy conversion rates of 20% to 30% - which is better than PV. But what is more exciting is that there is no storage problem because the energy cycle produces hydrocarbons directly. Under these conditions the cells produce 60% of their dry mass as oil that is easily extracted and stored or converted to a biofuel.

With our SOLAROOF technology urban roof areas can be appropriated for this Phytotechnoloy process and will have the further benefit of greatly reducing the air-conditioning loads in these buildings due to the "cool roof" savings. By this approach urban areas would both create savings and generate energy supply.

Please have look at the "Phytotechnoloy" link at www.solaroofgarden.com to see more details. The sequestration aspect of this proposal is important since the rate 20 to 30 times greater than any field crop and 50 to 100 faster than forest growth rates. This proposal is also unique in specifying a practical method for containment of the enriched atmosphere of CO2 while the plant photosynthesis process does the conversion work with clean solar energy. "Clean combustion" coal technology can liquify the CO2 at the thermal power plant for dilivery to the Phytotechnology growing systems. As the entire system is roof integrated there is little incremental cost compared to existing "best" cool roofs. Additionally, the SOLAROOF provides "cool daylight" and a controlled environment to the buildings and spaces that it shelters.

Together we can build a sustainable future - Regards, Richard