Aurora Algae’s Matt Caspari On Growing Algae in Australia
(Algae Industry Magazine) Recently Aurora Algae announced the successful completion of requirements for a two million dollar (AUD) Low Emissions Energy Development (LEED) grant, which has been used to advance the Company’s algae-based biomass production at its demonstration facility in Karratha, Western Australia. The Government-sponsored grant has enabled Aurora to develop a pilot production facility that is producing between 12-15 metric tons of algal biomass per month, within six 4,000 square meters (one acre) ponds.
…When we first began evaluating potential locations for our pilot production facility, we identified a variety of factors that would impact the efficiency, yield, and value of our crops. Ideal locations needed a combination of high solar radiation, warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, ready availability of CO2, an abundance of flat, arid land, and easy access to seawater. Northwestern Australia satisfied all of these criteria, with the additional benefits of a skilled labor pool and strong government support.
…Also, consider that Australia is currently experiencing an economic boom due to current mining activity, but this will not last forever.
…The algae industry represents a tremendous opportunity for the entire global population, as a sustainable, scalable source of food, fuel, and pharmaceuticals.
… We plan to break ground on our commercial production facility, near the pilot facility, during the first half of 2014. READ MORE
