The model. albeit attractive, suggests that a comparison between two energy producting facilities is in order. This can either be done using measured data from existing plants or hypothetically if we can get reasonably good estimates.
For example, consider an Algae based facility versus a Solar based plant.
Solar cells take energy and cost to produce, and after about 2 years, have broke even and are producing pure electrical power, ready to consume, at a reletively low cost and for quite a long time. My local panels have a 30 year warranty. Let's also note that the production of panels does release some CO2 into the atmosphere.
After all the mark-ups and installation, and given the absurdly cheap current energy prices, it would take about 8 years to break even for a decent sized Solar Farm. Maintenence costs are fairly low (need to keep them fairly clean is all). IF they are mounted on a roof of some other facility, they don't consume much real estate on their own. Pluses for solar.
An Algae based operation looks a lot more complex. Take the area occupied and consider how much solar power could be collected in that space. Maintenance looks challenging, and includes harvesting efforts. Pumps take energy too. On the plus side, Algae is easy to grow and produce, and abosrbs CO2 from the atmosphere. Huge plus!
With the wet green goo, what do you do? Dry it? That takes time and energy, which cuts directly into the bottom line.
A cheap, fast, continous-process wet extraction method is NEEDED here! Let's assume we got that. Excellent.
Now we have a certain amount of Algal Oil production rate, its total cost, and the total real estate occupied by the operation.
We are still good to go IF we can command a strong price for our Algal Oil, and can sell it directly. Let's assume NOT.
Then, we have to add more time and energy to convert the Algal Oil into Biodiesel. These costs are known, but perhaps a tech breakthrough here will tip the scales in our favor.
Fine. Now, calculate the total rate of energy production we can get from the resulting BioDiesel, and compare to the total energy rate produced by a Solar Farm occupying the same real estate. When the energy from Biodiesel is consumed, the sequestered CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. Darn.
I think those numbers put Algae on some pretty shaky ground, but we need to know more. Also note that Solar cells are slowly becoming cheaper and more efficient along with technology advancements.
Just food for thought. I need coffee... Will my retirement years see me as an Algae Farmer, or a Solar Farm operator? I have to figure something out, eventually.