Version User Scope of changes
Sep 29 2008, 10:23 PM EDT (current) jimmiller5417
Sep 29 2008, 10:20 PM EDT jimmiller5417 1 word added

Changes

Key:  Additions   Deletions
ALGALOILDIESEL, LLP
530 NW 13th St. Corvallis, OR 97330
home: 541-757-9797
cell: 541-971-0403

June 21, 2008



Dr. Margaret E. Smith
Professor, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics G42 Emerson Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca NY 14853 Telephone: (607) 255-1654
Fax: (607) 255-6683
E-mail: mes25@cornell.edu

Dear Dr. Smith:

Re: Renewable energy and potable water for coastal countries.

Also Regarding the USAID grant to facilitate the start-up and development of a research and educational centre based at the University of Ghana, Legon to train African agricultural scientists and address critical food security issues facing the region. Amount: US$1,696,756; Projected Duration: 1/6/2007 – 31/5/2012

Here is one food security solution which will work throughout most of coastal Africa and possibly in an inland area with a large body of water:

By combining existing technologies, we can create a plant operation along the sea shores of most countries which will produce biodiesel, animal feed, fresh fruits and vegetables and potable water, all at a very low operational cost. In summary, the technologies are:

  • Sea Water Greenhouse which houses algae ponds, evaporators, condensers, aeroponic gardening and production of fresh water fish, crustacians and worms. http://www.seawatergreenhouse.com/
  • A domestic, potable water system in for the village/town and a waste water collection system. A greehouse which houses a Eco Machine to remediate waste water and return it for agroforestry crops. http://www.ecosherpa.com/waste-management/eco-machines/
  • An algal oil extraction plant and a biodiesel plant. See attached Executive Summary for AlgalOilDiesel, LLP.
  • Assuming we could co-locate with a harbor which supports a fishing industry, we could expand the operation to include processing of the catch, then using the fish parts for algae nutrient (fish tea) and the solid parts for composing and/or animal feed. http://www.the-organic-gardener.com/fish-emulsion.html
  • Establishment of groves of Paradise Trees for production of nut oil for both human consumption, livestock feed and production of biodiesel. http://www.svlele.com/simarouba.htm
  • Establishment of groves of agroforestry for food production, including hazelnuts, citrus, tropical fruits, tropical nuts, and small grains and fiber producing plants (hemp, flax).
  • A requirement for outreach for schooling, health and welfare, citizen participation will include the introduction of the ruggized laptop, equiped with wireless and the establishment of a community-wide mesh wireless network. The Internet feed would be by satilite.
The requirements are:

  • Flat land inland of the sea.
  • Sea water as cold as we can find (or a large, inland lake)
  • Preferably, a harbor which supports fishing and has a deep enough port for ocean cargo ships.
  • Local, state and national governments which support the project with speedy permits and no corruption.
  • Safety for persons and property.
  • Once established and profitable (2-3 years), the operation will be self-sustaining and can grow from internal profits. Profits in excess of these needs would be available for debt service, if needed.

The outcomes are:

  • Provide biodiesel to the local, state and national economy with any surplus exported for cash. Local demand must first be met before any exports. Biodiesel can be used in transportation, heating and electrical generation.
  • Provide safe, potable water to the village or town. A domestic water system and a waste water system compliment each other. The sea water is the source of the water, which when distilled, is very pure water. The waste water is treated using the Eco Machine and the treated water used to irrigate the groves of trees. Wash water (containing potassium) from refining the biodiesel will be used for crop irrigation.
  • The food production is a source of affordable, healthy fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • The form of ownership of the plants will be a cooperative, membership in which is formed from the native, working-class, population. On-the-job training will be provided. An earnings differential cap of 4:1 will be observed.
  • Part of the net profits will be used for education, health care and child development and nutrition for all of the local residents.
  • Part of the net profits will be used for micro-loans in support of local, small business. See: http://www.kiva.org/

I have emailed substantially the same letter to many USAID stations in Africa and Latin America. I have doubts that USAID will be of any assistance in getting the pilot project formed and functioning. From reading the webpages of ARGA, [ http://www.agra-alliance.org/about/grants.html]it appears that the main interest is in improving the cultivars of field crops. My guess is that a greater food security could be obtained through the use of seawater conversion, production of biodiesel and greenhouse cropping than relying on local rains and limited fertilizers. [ http://www.holisticmanagement.org/] What is needed is a holistic approach to food production. Any suggestions you have will be appreciated. Requests for documentation are encouraged.
Sincerely yours,

James E. Miller, J.D. B.S.