A new law will help pave the way for the development of biodiesel fuel produced from algae.
Signed May 1 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the law expands the state’s definition of renewable energy sources to include “the predominantly organic components of wastewater effluent, sludge, or related byproducts from publicly owned treatment works.”
In practical terms, the law will enable the use of algal biofuels to help meet the state’s renewable energy standard.
The technology, which is currently being developed at the University of Minnesota and other institutions, uses the nutrient-rich wastewater from municipal sewage treatment plants to grow algae that can be harvested as biomass, which can then be turned into fuel.
Rep. Paul Gardner (DFL-Shoreview), who sponsors the law with Sen. Sandy Rummel (DFL-White Bear Lake), said the law is intended primarily for algal biofuels, but may also enable other similar technologies in the future.
The law, which is effective May 2, 2008, also specifies that any process that involves burning wastewater sludge to produce energy does not qualify as an eligible renewable energy technology.
HF2903/SF2996*/CH253
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