Cruce, Jesse R., authorQuinn, Jason C., advisorBradley, Thomas, committee memberBurkhardt, Jesse, committee member2018-09-102018-09-102018https://hdl.handle.net/10217/191461This study makes a holistic comparison between multiple algal biofuel pathways and examines the impact of co-products and methods assumptions on the economic viability of algal systems. Engineering process models for multiple production pathways were evaluated using techno-economic analysis (TEA). These pathways included baseline hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), protein extraction with HTL, fractionation into high-value chemicals and fuels, and a small-scale first-of-a-kind plant coupled with a wastewater treatment facility. The impact on economic results from policy scenarios was then examined. The type of depreciation scheme was shown to be irrelevant for durations less than 9 years, while short-term subsidies were found to capture 50% of the subsidy value in 6 years, and 75% in 12 years. Carbon prices can decrease fuel costs as seen by the production facility through carbon capture credits. TEA tradeoff assessments determined that $7.3 of capital costs are equivalent to $1 yr-1 of operational costs for baseline economic assumptions. Comparison of algal fuels to corn and cellulosic ethanol demonstrates the need for significant co-product credits to offset high algal capital costs. Higher value co-products were shown to be required for algal fuel economic viability.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.biofuelscost tradeoffspublic policiescarbon taxalgaeeconomic analysisText