Date of Award:

12-2025

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Environment and Society

Committee Chair(s)

Christopher L. Lant

Committee

Christopher L. Lant

Committee

Temis G, Taylor

Committee

Brooke B. Osbourne

Committee

Roslynn B. McCann

Committee

David J. Murphy

Abstract

Climate change, environmental degradation, finite resources, and the uneven distribution of energy access all points to an urgent need for a global energy transition. But making that transition responsibly requires more than enthusiasm for “green” solutions—it demands careful evaluation of which energy sources are truly worth investing in. This dissertation develops a practical decision-making framework to help policymakers, scientists, and the public answer three foundational questions about any new energy technology: Is it desirable? Is it feasible? Is it viable? By systematically weighing public narratives, biophysical constraints, and patterns of innovation, the framework aims to prevent wasted time, funding, and political will on options that cannot ultimately deliver.

To demonstrate how the framework works in practice, this study applies it to a real-world example: algal biofuels. Once promoted as a revolutionary clean energy solution, algae promised the ability to grow fuel on non-arable land using wastewater, with rapid reproduction and high yields. However, despite more than 50 years of research, algae biofuels have struggled to prove themselves in energy returns, cost efficiency, and scalable production.

This project combines media discourse analysis, energy return on investment (EROEI) data, and patent analysis to evaluate algal biofuels through the lens of desirability, feasibility, and viability. The findings reveal that public interest in algae peaked early but declined as scientific innovation slowed. Energy return data showed low and stagnant results. Patent research confirmed a statistically significant decline in productivity and inventorship over time. Together, these insights illustrate that algal biofuels, while initially compelling, are unlikely to become a successful large-scale energy solution.

More importantly, this case study demonstrates how the DFV framework can be used to assess the strengths and limitations of any energy innovation. Rather than focusing solely on technological potential, it encourages critical consideration of biophysical, economic, and social dimensions. In doing so, it helps answer not only can we pursue a particular energy source—but should we, and do we want to. This approach brings clarity to complex energy decisions and supports a more thoughtful, sustainable path forward.

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