Got Algae?: The 2013 Algae Biomass Summit

October 25, 2013

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by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) During four days, from September 31^st to October 3^rd, people from 34 countries were reunited at the Hilton Hotel in Orlando, Florida, for a wide-ranging discussion of the advances and challenges of algae. The 2013 Algae Biomass Summit hosted by the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) attracted 650 attendees and 60 companies in the exhibit hall.

Todd Taylor opens the 2013 Algae Biomass Summit in Orlando, Florida

The event was rich in space and time for the attendees to exchange experiences. People were open to introducing themselves, talking about their background and work, exchanging business cards and expecting further contact. This was cleverly facilitated by the organization, providing fertile moments to gain strength to the sector. In the air was a feeling of the power that is possible when people gather to think and fight for one cause.
The presence of industry was remarkable, showing the scenario of a changing world where economic and environmental aims do not always walk together.
The ABO’s flawless agenda featured panels of experts discussing key questions on many topics from production to utilization of algae.
The specific discussions (when the group was divided into tracks) focused on scientific advances, with deep discussions about each topic (biology, cultivation, innovation, engineering, and commercialization).
Got algae?
Algae for hydrotreating, to reduce the pollution from waste water. Algae for protein to supplement animals’ diets (fish, chicken, pork, pets). Algae for bioplastics. Algae for biodegradable sustainable packages. Algae for atmospheric CO₂ sequestration. Algae in the pharmaceutical industry. Algae for human dietary supplements providing functional elements (Omega 3). Algae in the food industry (natural pigments, baby food). And, of course, algae for biofuels (renewable gasoline, biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable jet fuel).
Some advantages that algae-based biofuels production may have over other feedstock-based processes: 1) Algal oils can be processed much like petroleum crude into hydrocarbon fuel stock at refineries without going through enzyme hydrolysis, fermentation or pyrolysis steps; 2) Algae can use saline water and can grow on land which is undesirable for agriculture. This also brings economic development and creates jobs in locations inhospitable to other industries.
Yeah! Algae seem to be on the top of the wave. However, the production process is very variable company by company. Years of R&D are required. Today, conversion of algae oil to biofuels alone is uneconomic. Instead, companies are diversifying to produce additional valuable products which obtain greater value from each barrel. It can not be considered a surprise when compared to petroleum which is converted at refineries into many day-by-day products, not just transportation fuel.
Concerns about regulatory issues and finance have been broken by the force of the ABO, that represents researchers and producers.
The excitement for the near future was evident to everybody. The dream seemed close to becoming true. Each one felt part of this, feeling pride inside the chest. The strength guided by the hand. And the head organizes the steps to reach success.
Good luck to algae people. Good luck for us.
^*Dan Quadros is a Research Scholar at the University of Florida and a Volunteer at Advanced Biofuels USA. E-mail: daniloquadros@hotmail.com
Editing assistance from Joanne Ivancic

LISTEN

Listen to an exclusive interview of Martin Sabarsky, CEO of Cellana, by Advanced Biofuels USA’s Dan Quadros. Sabarsky talks about algae-based bioproducts’ production and commercialization, biofuels policy, finance, and much more.
Cellana, a leading developer of algae-based bioproducts, uses marine microalgae to photosynthetically produce its ReNew™ line of Omega-3 EPA and DHA oils, animal feed, and biofuel feedstocks. Cellana’s patented ALDUO™ system, a series of photobioreactors coupled with open ponds, provides continuous production of diverse strains of microalgae. Since 2009, Cellana has operated its Kona Demonstration Facility, a 6-acre, state-of-the-art production and research facility in Hawaii. To date, over 20 metric tons of whole algae (dry weight) have been produced using Cellana’s ALDUO™ process with highly diverse strains. READ MORE
1 – How do you evaluate the algae-based biofuel potential compared with other feedstocks in USA? RESPONSE #1
2 - Do you think that consumers could pay little bit more to get sustainable biofuel and help the environment? RESPONSE #2
3 - How long does the process take and what steps were taken to move from lab scale to commercial algae production? RESPONSE #3
4 - How do you evaluate biofuel policy in USA? RESPONSE #4
5 – Which are the finance options for commercial scale algae production? RESPONSE #5
6 – Is there any way to integrate local farmers into the algae production? RESPONSE #6

Listen to exclusive interview of Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of ABO (Algae Biomass Organization) by Advanced Biofuels USA’s Dan Quadros. She talks about ABO, algae industry, research funding, policy, and much more.
The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. READ MORE

1 – What is the role and the importance of ABO in the biomass scenario? RESPONSE #1
2 – Congratulations on a wonderful event. How does ABO evaluate the 2013 Algae Summit? RESPONSE #2
3 – Could you list the advantages and the challenges of algae-based biofuels? RESPONSE #3
4 – What is your opinion about renewable energy and biofuels policy in the USA? RESPONSE #4
5 – How do you analyze government research funding in the past and the prospective for the next years? RESPONSE #5
6 – In your opinion, is there any way to include small farmers in the algae production system as an economical alternative for them or it is concentrated in the hands of the companies? RESPONSE #6