(FlightGlobal) In the run-up to Farnborough both of the major commercial airframers have launched new initiatives aimed at bringing the prospect of a low-carbon, biofuel-powered aviation industry closer to reality, amid a sharpening awareness of the urgent need for investment
algae
Back TO HOMEAviation Industry Harnesses Algae for Biofuel
by Gerald Traufetter (Der Spiegel) There are plans within the aviation industry to replace kerosene with biofuel derived from algae. The new fuel comes with a surprising benefit: Planes will be able to fly farther on the same amount of
July 19, 2010 Read Full Article
AIM Interview: Dr. Russell Chapman
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Dr. Russell Chapman, Executive Director of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in San Diego, takes great joy in sharing his passion for algae with his students.
July 15, 2010 Read Full Article
DOE and Salk Researchers Study Volvox Genome
(Algae Industry Magazine) ...One contribution that may inform biofuels research is reported in the July 9 issue of Science, where researchers led by the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and the Salk Institute presented the 138 million nucleotide genome of
July 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Biojet Fuel from Algae – Unitel’s New Technology Overcomes a Major Problem Facing the Algal Biofuels Industry
(BusinessWire.com) Process eliminates the energy intensive and costly oil extraction step. Unitel Technologies, Inc. announced that the company has filed a patent application for a new technology for making biofuels from microalgae. The process involves minimal dewatering, and completely bypasses the
July 12, 2010 Read Full Article
OriginOil Announces Breakthrough Hydrogen Harvester Invention
(OriginOil) New technology taps hydrogen generated by living algae. OriginOil, Inc. , the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, July 8, 2010, announced a new invention that generates
July 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Researcher Sees Algae as Key to Green Energy Future
by Jeffrey Tomich (StLToday.com) ...The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur has emerged as a hub for algae-to-biofuel research thanks to millions of dollars in donations and grants, including a $25 million gift from local billionaire Jack Taylor that
July 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Benchtop Biofuels: Fine-Tuning Growth Conditions Helps Cyanobacteria Flourish
by Richard Harth (Arizona State University) Cyanobacteria are among the oldest living forms in nature, responsible for generating the atmospheric oxygen we breathe today. Now Hyun Woo Kim and Raveender Vannela, researchers at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University
July 08, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Collegiate Scholarship
With an eye toward young water-process and civil engineering, talent leading the future development of the algae biofuel and biomass industry, the National Algae Association and Algae Industry Magazine.com are collaborating to produce, sponsor and host a collegiate scholarship that
July 07, 2010 Read Full Article
ABO Recommends Three Key Changes to USDA Biorefinery Assistance Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Among the changes proposed by the (Algal Biomass Organization) were: providing more flexible revenue requirements for qualifying under the program, including allowing consideration of co-product, or chemicals sales as part of revenue floors; increasing the
July 07, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Aviation Fuel
(Compact Contractors for America/YouTube/Algae Industry Magazine) The Dry Process Bio Jet Fuel from Algae utilizes raw algae for fuel for any aircraft or land based turbine. This methodology uses a variety of algae biomass to create a powdered turbine fuel.
July 06, 2010 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Releases National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap
(US Department of Energy) Despite algae's potential, many technical and economic challenges must be overcome for algal biofuels to be commercialized. To identify these hurdles and guide research and development activities, DOE convened the National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap Workshop, bringing together
June 29, 2010 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Announces $24 Million for Algal Biofuels Research
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced June 28, 2010, the investment of up to $24 million for three research groups to tackle key hurdles in the commercialization of algae-based biofuels. The selections will support the development of a
June 29, 2010 Read Full Article
Energy of the Future? It’s Green and Slimy
by Penni Crabtree (SignOnSanDiego.com) Algae’s potential vast, but the cost so far is immense. ...Scientists agree that the science to turn algae into fuel has arrived. It’s just the economics that remain elusive. “We all complain about the price of gas, but
June 29, 2010 Read Full Article
EADS Undertakes First Aircraft Flight Powered by Algae-Derived Biofuel and Signs Brazilian Production Venture
(GreenAirOnline) The first public flights of an aircraft with an engine fully powered by algae-derived biofuel took place last week during the ILA Air Show in Berlin. The demonstration flights of a twin-engined Diamond DA42 NG light aircraft was undertaken
June 29, 2010 Read Full Article
University of Toledo to Add $1M Facility for Algae Biofuel work
(Toledo Blade) By early next year, the University of Toledo's Scott Park Campus for Energy and Innovation will be home to a nearly $1 million facility to research and develop algae biofuels in hopes of accelerating the alternative fuel's commercialization. Ohio University,
June 29, 2010 Read Full Article
First Commercial-Scale Algae Production Incubator
(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association, a 501(3)6 non-profit association, located in The Woodlands, Texas is starting a new algae production incubator to help lower the cost and risks in the algae production industry. It will be the first commercial-scale algae production
June 25, 2010 Read Full Article
Using Carbon to Fight Carbon
by Janneke Pieters (REnewable Energy World) ...CO2 — along with sunlight and water — is needed to grow algae, which can in turn produce oil, otherwise known as “oilgae” or “green crude.” While in its nascent stages, the “oilgae” industry
June 24, 2010 Read Full Article
NASA Boss Investigated for Possible Conflict of Interest on Biofuel Project
by Robert Block and Mark K. Matthews (Orlando Sentinel) Charlie Bolden asked Marathon Oil for its opinion on Project OMEGA — but he has financial interest in Marathon, which has a competing project. While millions of barrels of spilled oil choke the
June 21, 2010 Read Full Article
AIM Interview: National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Al Darzins
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) ... I’ve heard a lot of people say that developing algal biofuels is just an engineering issue, that is, all we have to do is engineer more efficient growth ponds and cost effective harvesting and
June 18, 2010 Read Full Article
Microbes Reprogrammed to Ooze Oil for Renewable Biofuel
(Science Daily) Using genetic sleight of hand, researcher Xinyao Liu and professor Roy Curtiss at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute have coaxed photosynthetic microbes to secrete oil -- bypassing energy and cost barriers that have hampered green biofuel production. ..."The real
June 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae BioReactor Project Wins National K-12 School Science Competition
(Algae Industry Magazine) Richard Ira and Brian Niguidula, sixth grade students at Scofield Magnet Middle School, in Stamford, CT, won the National Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Award, for their original science project, a Community Algae BioReactor that extracts oil from algae. As they describe
June 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Seaweed Biofuel - How It Can Be Done
(YouTube) Seaweed biofuel could be the largest renewable energy source of the the 21st century. This video by Mr. Kaare Bækgaard, Designer, demonstrates how. WATCH VIDEO
June 09, 2010 Read Full Article
World's First Integrated Algae Bio-Refinery Has Just Opened Near Carlsbad
by Reid Wright (Currrent-Argus, CEHMM) It takes hundreds of thousands of years for fossil organisms beneath the earth's crust to simmer into crude petroleum. It takes a single day to make 1,000 gallons of crude algae biofuel at a small
June 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Opinion: “BP…We Should Cut to the Chase…Biofuels, Please.”
by Joelle Dent (Biofuels Digest Asia) ...We’ve had enough of “tough oil” and the damage caused by leaks, spills and explosions as you risk your lives and ours for the a resource that’s already on the verge of exhaustion and
June 08, 2010 Read Full Article
$5m Research Effort in Nova Scotia to Explore Production of Biofuels from Algae
by Michael Tutton (The Canadian Press, Winnepeg Free Press) Tiny, slimy East Coast algae could eventually be a viable form of fuel for everything from jets to diesel generators and power a new Canadian industry, research scientists said Friday. Federal scientists
June 08, 2010 Read Full Article
Exxon Explores Algae Biofuels as Alternative Energy
by Jennifer Tan and Seng Li Peng(Reuters) ...Although oil, coal and natural gas are expected to represent about 80 percent of global energy supply mix through 2030, nuclear and renewable energy such as wind, solar, geothermal and biofuels will play a
June 08, 2010 Read Full Article
EADS Sets First Public Algae-Biofuel Flight At ILA Berlin
by John Morris (Aviation Week) EADS will make the world’s first public flight of an aircraft with an engine powered solely by third-generation algae-derived biofuel here at ILA. A Diamond DA42 with Austro Engine AE300 diesel powerplants has been flying for a
June 08, 2010 Read Full Article
19 Transformative Algae Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In today’s profile, we look at the world of transformative algae technologies with a focus on this years’ #1 Hottest Company in Bioenergy, Solazyme, and 18 other ventures who have scored “Red Hot” in the 50
June 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Carbon Capture on the Cheap?
by Michael Kanellos (GreenTech) It’s a sulfur scrubber, mineral maker and carbon capture machine all in one. Skyonic, which has developed a system for converting smokestack fumes into sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and other minerals, is moving toward commercialization and says that
June 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Exxon Bets $600 Million on Algae Biofuel Despite Doubters
by Kambiz Foroohar (Bloomberg) ...In Japan, the U.K. and the U.S., green energy advocates and some well-heeled investors are obsessed with perfecting a way to turn the scum that coats ponds, lakes and fish tanks into a substitute for gasoline,
June 04, 2010 Read Full Article
AIM Interview: Solazyme’s Harrison Dillon
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Seven years ago two former college roommates set up shop in a Palo Alto garage, with the mission of becoming the first company to develop commercial algae-based fuel. They built their business plan with the
June 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Time to Turn to Algae-Based Fuel
by Rep. Harry Teague (D-NM) (Politico) ...It turns out there are two immediate barriers to raising capital for commercial-scale production of algae-based fuel. The first is a quirk in our tax code that provides tax incentives for cellulosic biofuel production but
June 03, 2010 Read Full Article
Algal Industry Magazine Interview: Algal Biomass Organization’s Mary Rosenthal
by David Schwartz (Algal Industry Magazine) ..."Our near term goals are to continue to be the leading voice for the algae industry, to provide our members resources and networking opportunities, such as the 2010 Algae Summit, to grow their businesses
May 21, 2010 Read Full Article
Algal Biomass Organization Publishes Annual Report
by Mary Rosenthal (Algal Biomass Organization) It was a great year for algae – and a great year for the Algal Biomass Organization. In the past 12 months, the algae industry has reached a number of critical milestones: significant federal policy
May 20, 2010 Read Full Article
North Wales Algae Farm Aims to Feed the World
by Andrew Forgrave (Daily Post North Wales) Waste food and even cow slurry could be used to feed the world using a farm-scale process being pioneered in North Wales. Start-up company Merlin Biodevelopments has devised a new way of growing protein-rich
May 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Electronic Waste Produces Algae for Biofuel
by Aniqa Hasan (Discovery News) Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign created Bio-Grow, a device made from various computer parts that serves as a reservoir to cultivate algae. The algae can then be used in biodiesel production, which could potentially
May 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Profit Margin: Algae-to-Biofuel Venture Says It's Solved Industry-Vexing Puzzles
by Steve Clark (The Brownsville Herald) ...Brad Bartilson, Photon8’s president and CEO, says the Traveling Wave Tube technology boosts algae growth by 500 percent, representing a major advance in the profitable conversion of algae to biofuel — "profitable" being the key
May 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Alltech to Create Large Algae Farm in Kentucky
(Kentucky.com) Alltech President Pearse Lyons said Monday that his company will announce in August the creation of a large algae factory in Kentucky to make bio-fuel and research new approaches for mitigating climate change. Lyons declined to give the location or other
May 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Shell Says Share of Renewables in Transport Fuel Set to Double
by Eduard Gismatullin (Bloomberg Business Week) Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Europe’s largest oil company, expects the share of renewable energy in transport fuels worldwide to double over the next 10 years. The portion of renewables is already approaching 10 percent because of
May 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae: A Mean, Green Cleaning Machine
by Ann Perry (USDA ARS) ...Agricultural Research Service microbiologist Walter Mulbry has been finding out there’s more to algae than just stringy masses that muck up streams and ponds. Though some scientists believe algae might be the next best thing
May 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Construction Complete on Commercial-Scale Photobioreactor Demo for Algae Production
(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association is pleased to announce that construction has been completed on a commercial-scale photobioreactor (PBR) demo located at Lone Star College in The Woodlands, Texas. “Thanks to donations of materials, time and effort by
May 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Seaweed-Based Biofuel Farm to Rise in Aurora
by Manny Galvez (The Philippean Star) The government plans to develop a $5-million (P220-million) ethanol farm at a 100-hectare site in the province using the Korean technology of extracting ethanol from seaweed. Sen. Edgardo Angara told The STAR that the Department of
May 12, 2010 Read Full Article
A Sea Change For Biofuels : Peak Oil, Fresh Water Shortages, and Food Challenges Are Driving Innovations in Aquatic Feedstocks
by Will Thurmond (Biofuels Digest) As we enter a new decade in 2010, leagues of prescient scientists , businessmen, politicians, commodity traders, defense hawks, activists, NGOs and social entrepreneurs are taking on future challenges by invoking ancient wisdom. Necessity is
May 12, 2010 Read Full Article
An Interview with Chris Cassidy, Business and Renewable Energy Advisor to the USDA
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) ...When we look at the markets, it will come down to transportation as the deal killer on biofuels, including algae. The longer the distance from the production site to the processing site and to
May 11, 2010 Read Full Article
Layered Algae Ponds Improve Biofuel Yield
(ChemInfo) OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae into a true competitor to petroleum, May 4, 2010, announced a breakthrough direct-solar growth design that uses growth layers to harness the sun’s energy more effectively than existing pond systems,
May 11, 2010 Read Full Article
The AIM Interview: Dr. John Benemann
by David Schwartz (AlgaeIndustryMagazine.com) As pioneers go, in the modern business of algae biofuels and co-products, possibly no one has built a longer record of accomplishment than Dr. John Benemann. Involved in algae biofuels and related research since the early seventies,
May 07, 2010 Read Full Article
The Best Peak Oil Investments, Part V: Algae
by Tom Konrad (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) There are many proposed solutions to the liquid fuels scarcity caused be stagnating (and eventually falling) oil supplies combined with growing demand in emerging economies. Some will be good investments, others won't. Here is where I'm putting
May 07, 2010 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Advance American Biofuels
U.S. Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Mark Schauer (D-MI) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation yesterday that will encourage the next generation of biofuels or fuels made from living things such as plants and algae. The GREEN JOB (Grow Renewable Energy
May 03, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Industry Magazine Interview: National Algae Association’s Barry Cohen
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) Since forming the National Algae Association over two years ago, Barry has concentrated on creating and establishing strong working relationships with what he calls “algaepreneurs” throughout the U.S. Starting the NAA was a direct result
April 23, 2010 Read Full Article
University of Michigan Pressure-Cooking Algae Into Better Biofuel
(Great Lakes Innovation and Technology Report) Heating and squishing microalgae in a pressure-cooker can fast-forward the crude-oil-making process from millennia to minutes. University of Michigan professors are working to understand and improve this procedure in an effort to speed up development
April 22, 2010 Read Full Article
Scientists Try Algae ‘Alchemy’ to Grow Oil in Paddies
by Shigeru Sato and Yuji Okada (Bloomberg Business Week) As Japan’s rice fields turn fallow and its farming communities decline, a new army of workers is preparing to make the countryside fertile again. This time the crop is motor fuel and
April 20, 2010 Read Full Article
Re-Engineering Algae for Biodiesel Production
by Green Liver (Imperial Valley News) A Purdue University researcher will lead a portion of a federally funded effort based at Iowa State University aimed at creating genetically engineered algae for environmentally friendly biodiesel production. Currently, hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel
April 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Scientists Developing Algae as Renewable Energy Source
by Loretta Sorensen (Farm & Ranch Guide) ...“There are numerous benefits to extracting oil from algae,” said Todd Hylden, vice president of marketing and investor relations for Energae LP. “I'm a farm boy from North Dakota and have no axe to
April 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Direct Production of Biodiesel from the Fungus M. circinelloides; Opportunity to Enhance Yield with Genetic Engineering
(Green Car Congress) Researchers in Spain have demonstrated the direct transformation of biomass consisting of the fungus M. circinelloides into biodiesel compliant with ASTM D6751 and EN14213 and 14214 standards. A paper on their work was published online 2 April
April 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Mark Edwards & Algae Industry Magazine Launch Algae 101 Online
2009’s Best Science Book award winner, Mark Edwards, will begin a 20-part primer in understanding the basics and current state of algae biofuels to appear in www.algaeindustrymagazine.com. The series begins Thursday, April 15, and a new installment will be posted
April 06, 2010 Read Full Article
From Hype to Reality – Not All Algae Are Created Equally: Solazyme Defies Skeptics on Its Rapid Path toward Commercialization
by Joshua Kagan (GreenTechMedia) Algae biofuels are often considered one of those technologies --- like hydrogen fuel cells --- that are always "ten years away." Well, one company says it might have just cracked the code and could be supplying
April 06, 2010 Read Full Article
Honeywell's UOP and Indian Oil Corp. to Collaborate on Biofuels Project in India
Companies would evaluate non-food Indian feedstocks for the production of green diesel and green jet fuels as well as the development of renewable power applications from biomass waste. UOP, a Honeywell company, announced March 31, 2010, that it signed a memorandum
April 06, 2010 Read Full Article
Construction Complete on Commercial-Scale Photobioreactor Demo for Algae Production
National Algae Association is pleased to announce that construction has been completed on a commercial-scale photobioreactor (PBR) demo located at Lone Star College in The Woodlands, Texas. “Thanks to donations of materials, time and effort by Ed Baker, Harvel Plastics,
April 05, 2010 Read Full Article
For The First Time, Researchers Harvest Raw Electric Current Directly From Algae
(Popular Science) ...But a collaboration of Korean and Californian researchers wanted to take raw electricity directly from algae themselves by harvesting electrons. Using the common Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a test subject, the researchers applied what's known as an overvoltage -- a
April 05, 2010 Read Full Article
Microbes Reprogrammed to Ooze Oil for Renewable Biofuel
(Physorg.com) Using genetic sleight of hand, researcher Xinyao Liu and professor Roy Curtiss at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute have coaxed photosynthetic microbes to secrete oil—bypassing energy and cost barriers that have hampered green biofuel production. Their results appear in
April 05, 2010 Read Full Article
Merrimack High School Biodiesel Crew Wants to Turn Algae into Energy
by Karen Lovett (Nashua Telegraph) ...Closer to home, the Merrimack Biodiesel Crew has also been experimenting with algae, growing different types in flasks on a science lab windowsill. Now, the crew hopes to expand its operation – and host other environmentally
April 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Uiversity of Nebraska at Lincoln Team Looks to Tap Algae for Energy
by Kevin Abourzk (Lincoln Journal Star) But algae? A team of University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers is working to extract oil from that sticky green stuff that gums up boat motors and fishing lines. Then they'll study the feasibility of using it
March 25, 2010 Read Full Article
Solazyme and Unilever Partner to Bring Algal Renewable Oil to Personal Care Products
Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil and bioproducts company, has signed a research and development agreement with Unilever to develop oil derived from algae for use in soaps and other personal care products. The agreement follows the culmination of a yearlong
March 24, 2010 Read Full Article
OriginOil Announces Initiative to Make Jet Fuel from Waste Using Algae
OriginOil, Inc. (OOIL), the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, March 24, 2010, announced the formation of an industry working group to develop jet fuel from algae
March 24, 2010 Read Full Article
CO2-Eating Algae Turns Cement Maker Green
by Tyler Hamilton (TheStar.com) A mixture of hot gas rises out of a flue stack at the St. Marys Cement plant about 50 kilometres west of Waterloo. But not all the CO2-rich exhaust is vented to the open air. Some is redirected
March 23, 2010 Read Full Article
EADS Backs Algae As Future Biofuel
by Graham Warwick (Aviation Week) Airbus parent company EADS is backing algae as the best source of sustainable jet fuel, arguing that other feedstocks will not allow the airline industry to meet its carbon-footprint reduction goals. EADS Chief Technical Officer Jean Botti
March 22, 2010 Read Full Article
UK Looks to Produce 70bn Litres of Biofuel a Year from Pondlife
(clickgreen) The Carbon Trust has announced plans to take on the world in the global race to develop a sustainable, cost-effective biofuel from algae. The "dream team" of eleven leading UK institutions was unveiled who will work together with the Carbon
March 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Microalgae Research Advances towards Biodiesel Production
(FIS) A team of researchers at the National Technological University of Mar del Plata (UTN) is working on a research project to produce biodiesel from marine microalgae, with the aim of developing economically viable and environmentally sustainable processes. The group already
March 18, 2010 Read Full Article
Today in Biofuels Opinion: “If Policymakers Thought This Is a CO2 Sequestration Approach…We Would Be Entirely Screwed.”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jack Oswald, CEO, SynGest: “One of the things worth pointing out about most algae approaches, is that they rely on large sources of CO2. These will come from our existing fossil fuel sources such as
March 18, 2010 Read Full Article
Craig Venter: Without Scale, Algae Fuel Companies “Playing”
by Katie Fehrenbacher (Earth2Tech) Craig Venter, considered to be the father of genomics and the founder of synthetic biology startup Synthetic Genomics, said there’s a fundamental problem with algae fuel at the Wall Street Journal’s Eco:nomics conference on Thursday: in
March 18, 2010 Read Full Article
OriginOil CEO Presents on Algae Extraction Methods, Algae Oil Production
by Riggs Eckelberry (Origin Oil) In his presentation at the World Biofuels Markets conference March 2010 in The Netherlands, Eckelberry reviewed current industry approaches to extraction and harvesting in depth. These approaches typically require high capital investment, heavy energy usage,
March 17, 2010 Read Full Article
U.S. Government Awards DuPont, Partners with Technology Investment Agreement for Macroalgae-to-Biobutanol Research
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has awarded a Technology Investment Agreement to DuPont for the development of a process to convert sugars produced by macroalgae into next-generation biofuels called isobutanol. Bio Architecture Lab (BAL)
March 16, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Industry Magazine Launched
William Laski & David Schwartz, publishers, launched an online magazine addressing the growth and development of the algae biofuels and co-products industry: • its influential personalities • developing technologies • evolving businesses • breakthrough products • important news and timely information READ MORE
March 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Honeywell's UOP Awarded Funding for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Reuse Through Algae Growth and Biofuel Production
UOP, a Honeywell ( HON) company, announced today that it has been awarded a $1.5 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy for a project to demonstrate technology to capture carbon dioxide and produce algae for use in
March 11, 2010 Read Full Article
Flying High on Algae?
(TodayOnline) Can algae oil be viably converted to kerosene for jet fuel that might one day power the world's aircraft? This is something a new 12-month collaboration between A*Star's Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences and global aerospace and defence
March 11, 2010 Read Full Article
Solid Separation, Product Drying and Oil Extraction Opportunities
by Tony Prehm (Virtuoso Biofuels Services) Prepared for the March 2010 National Algal Association conference in Las Vegas, reviews a variety of processes used in algal biomass-to-biofuels production, including separating solids, drying the product and extracting oils. The processes are
March 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Spring Algae Bloom: an Inside Look at the DOE’s New Algal Fuels Consortium, the NAABB.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) was a cold Wednesday afternoon in January when the news came through that a consortium called the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts had received a $44 million grant from the Department of Energy.
March 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Honeywell's UOP Awarded Funding for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Reuse Through Algae Growth and Biofuel Production
UOP, a Honeywell (NYSE:HON) company, announced today that it has been awarded a $1.5 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy for a project to demonstrate technology to capture carbon dioxide and produce algae for use in biofuel
March 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Stacking Traits in Algae is Focus of Grant to Iowa State University Researcher
Genetically stacking traits in corn in order to increase production, resist insects, improve standablity and many other characteristics is so common in agriculture that producers have come to expect it. Some traits found in corn help it function as a better
March 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Putting In a Good Word for Algae
by James Kanter (New York Times) A European lobbying group weighed in Tuesday on a fierce debate over the environmental value of using algae to produce biofuels for vehicles. The group, the European Algae Biomass Association, said members of its scientific
February 25, 2010 Read Full Article
New Clear Lake Company Promotes Algae as Biofuel
by John Skipper (Globe-Gazette) A company based in Clear Lake is turning waste and algae into renewable fuels. Bud Jermeland, 51, president of Energae LP, said the primary focuses of his company are waste-based ethanol and the use of algae in
February 25, 2010 Read Full Article
Co-location Could Make Algae Biofuels Affordable
by Mark Fischetti (Scientific American) ...But as more new and established companies examine how to scale up lab processes to commercial levels, scientists and engineers seem to be finding that standalone operations may not be economically viable. Co-locating algae farms
February 24, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Investment Trends – Advanced Biofuels Insight
by Will Thurmond (Biofuels Digest) The global biofuels industry is entering a new decade of emerging opportunities and considerable challenges in reaching 2020 targets. The global economic recession is already shaking out many of the would-be players in a crowded
February 17, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae to Solve the Pentagon's Jet Fuel Problem
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) The brains trust of the Pentagon says it is just months away from producing a jet fuel from algae for the same cost as its fossil-fuel equivalent. The claim, which comes from the Defense Advanced Research
February 17, 2010 Read Full Article
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Hopes to Tap Into Algae as Energy Source
(CheckBiotech) Part of the greenhouse complex at University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Beadle Center will be revamped into an algal biofuels research facility this year. Scientists will begin growing algae in small containers, then move on to five-foot long bags and, finally,
February 11, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae, Brine Shrimp and Tilapia Make Recipe for Biofuel
(MidWest AgNet) Using algae, brine shrimp and tilapia, researchers have designed a novel system that extracts oil for use as biofuel, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a proposed electric power plant. Microalgal biomass production offers the potential to reduce
February 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Future Shock: A New Paradigm In Algal Biofuels Technologies
Will Thurmond (Biofuels Digest) In 1973 the world experienced the first major supply shock from OPEC, leading to petrol shortages, and a sustained period of economic stagnation, and rampant inflation. As a response, US President Carter established the National Renewable
February 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Biofuels: From Development to Deployment
by Jim Long (Gabriel Ventures and Aurora Biofuels) At the January 2010 Pacific West Biomass Conference in Sacramento, California, this presentation focused on comparing the economics of algae's potential productivity for biodiesel to that of sugar-based feedstocks and processes. Charts of Aurora's process
February 02, 2010 Read Full Article
OriginOil Turns Corner to Commercialization, Unveils In-House Pilot System
OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, unveiled a comprehensive pilot system for algae growth and harvesting at an exclusive event held at
February 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Rules Change for Algenol, but Lee County's Gamble Could Work
by David Plazas (News-Press) The Lee County Commissioners on Tuesday changed the rules on doling out economic development incentive money, and maybe that’s a good thing. We’ll have to see because Algenol Biofuels— which is now getting $10 million of
February 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Exxon Starts Biofuel Research; Expects Commerical Manufacturing in 8-10 Years
by Tamsin Carlisle (The National) Just six months after ExxonMobil agreed to invest US$600 million (Dh2.2 billion) in a six-year project to develop biofuel from microscopic plants, teams of researchers are performing their first experiments. ... “We’re at full speed
February 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae-Powered Vehicles within Five Years
Alan Fischer (University of Arizona and Western Farm Press) University of Arizona (UA) researchers believe the microscopic organism algae will be providing fuel to power vehicles within the next five years. Joel Cuello, UA professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, said
February 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Growing Green: Bodega Algae and Bigelow Laboratory Collaborate to Develop Algal Biofuel Technology in New England
Massachusetts-based renewable energy company Bodega Algae and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine, have received a six-month, $150,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation to develop and test a prototype for
January 29, 2010 Read Full Article
Algal Biomass Organization Questions Accuracy of University of Virginia Algae Life Cycle Study
The Algal Biomass Organization, challenged the conclusions of a published report in Environmental Science and Technology claiming that “conventional crops have lower environmental impacts than algae in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and water.” The report was based upon obsolete
January 29, 2010 Read Full Article
Engineers Find Significant Environmental Impacts with Algae-Based Biofuel, Offer Alternative to Production
(Newswise) With many companies investing heavily in algae-based biofuels, researchers from the University of Virginia's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have found there are significant environmental hurdles to overcome before fuel production ramps up. They propose using wastewater as
January 22, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Emerges as DOE Feedstock of Choice for Biofuel 2.0
by Amy Westervelt (Solve Climate) There was a sense of deja vu in the biofuels sector this week when U.S. Energy Secretary Chu announced nearly $80 million in funding for research and development of algae-based fuels. The dream of turning pond
January 18, 2010 Read Full Article
Solix Biofuels Signs Agreement With Los Alamos National Laboratory to Develop Algal Oil Extraction Process
Los Alamos National Laboratory has teamed with Solix Biofuels, Inc. to use an award-winning LANL sound-wave technology to optimize production of algae-based fuel in a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally benign fashion. Acoustic focusing—the novel use of sound waves at the heart
January 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Cavitation Technologies, Inc., Is Unveiling Renewable Fuel Technology for Algae Oil
Cavitation Technologies, Inc. (CTI) is pleased to announce filing a Nonprovisional Utility Patent Application titled "Method for Processing an Algae to Produce Algal Oil and By-Products" CTI successfully completed development and testing of its Algae reactor. This technology is able
January 15, 2010 Read Full Article
National Algae Association's Barry Cohen Urges Algae Production Facility Now
by Barry Cohen (National Algae Association) ...At the start of the oil industry, wildcatters at Spindletop took risk, worked with what they had, and developed what they needed in the field. Look at all the changes that have taken place in
January 11, 2010 Read Full Article
How Algal Biofuels Lost a Decade in the Race to Replace Oil
by Alexis Madrigal (Wired Science) For nearly 20 years, a government laboratory built a living, respiring library of carefully collected organisms in search of something that could grow quickly while producing something precious: oil. But now that collection has largely been
January 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Scum of Earth Will save Us before ETS Does
by Mark Coulton (The Australian) ... Carbon neutrality may be achievable without resorting to a hefty new tax if the government employed a skerrick of the initiative and ingenuity shown by the team at Townsville's James Cook University. ... This
January 02, 2010 Read Full Article
How Algal Biofuels Lost a Decade in the Race to Replace Oil
by Alexis Madrigal (Wired Science) For nearly 20 years, a government laboratory built a living, respiring library of carefully collected organisms in search of something that could grow quickly while producing something precious: oil. But now that collection has largely been
December 31, 2009 Read Full Article
Clean Algae Biofuel Project Leads World in Productivity
Australian scientists are achieving the world's best production rates of oil from algae grown in open saline ponds, taking them a step closer to creating commercial quantities of clean biofuel for the future. A joint $3.3 million project led by Murdoch
December 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae a Source of Biofuel
by Greg Kelton (Adelaide Now) THE U.S. parent company of uranium producer Heathgate Resources has held talks with the State Government over developing a renewable energy fuel in South Australia - from algae. Premier Mike Rann met for an hour yesterday
December 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Australia is Pushing Biofuels from Low Cost, Non-Food Materials
by Simon Grose (TCE Today) Algae, wood and sugarcane shared the honours in the bidding for funding through the Australian government’s Second generation Biofuels research and development program. Announcing matching grants totaling A$14.4m ($12.1m) across seven projects, resource minister Martin Ferguson
December 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae as a Biodiesel Feedstock: A Feasibility Assessment
by Ron Putt (Auburn University) Alabama has an immediate opportunity to lead the nation in becoming self sufficient with respect to liquid fuels for transportation. Mass cultivation of micro-algae in the state, using less than 3% of our land area,
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Growth Stage Financing for an Algae Company
by Todd A. Taylor (Fredrikson & Byron) From his presentation at the Algae Biomass Summit in October 2009, Todd Taylor outlines the process, challenges and expectations of finding funding for any new technology/advanced biofuels company. READ MORE
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Federal Policy Opportunities for the Algae Biofuel Industry in 2010
by Curt Rich (VanNess Feldman) Presentation from the Algae Biomass Summit, October 2009 reviews federal grant and loan programs, climate change legislative proposals from an algal biofuels perspective. READ MORE
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
NASA Uses Algae to Turn Sewage Into Fuel
by Jeremy Hsu (Space.com) NASA may concern itself largely with space exploration, but it also wants to keep Earth on a steady course in the face of rising energy costs and climate change. Now the U.S. space agency has thrown its
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Dynaflow Announces DOE Small Business Innovation Grant for Cavitation-Based Algae Harvest, Oil Extract System
Dynaflow, Inc.®, a leader in R&D services and products in fluid dynamics and applied sciences, today announced that it has been awarded a Department of Energy (DOE) Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to develop and demonstrate a
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Pond Biofuels Inc., CO2 Remediation and Renewable Fuel Production Demonstration Plant for GHG Emitting Industries Receives Support From the Asia Pacific Partnership
On December 3rd 2009, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced approval of the project proposal submitted by Pond Biofuels Inc. under the Asia-Pacific Partnership (APP) on Clean Development and Climate program. The approved project includes funding in support of its
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Solazyme Awarded US $21M Grant for Algae Refinery in Pennsylvania
(Renewable Energy World) Solazyme Inc. will build its first integrated algae fuel refinery in Pennsylvania. The biorefinery will be built in Riverside, Pennsylvania and will be funded in part by a US $21.8 million federal grant that the company received
December 11, 2009 Read Full Article
PetroAlgae Announces Strategic Partnership with Foster Wheeler to Create End-to-End Biomass-to-Fuel Solutions
PetroAlgae Inc., announced today that its has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Foster Wheeler AG’s Global Engineering and Construction Group for engineering services to be performed in conjunction with PetroAlgae’s micro-crop technology, which allows for the production of dry
December 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Self-Destructing Bacteria Improve Renewable Biofuel Production
(Science Daily) An Arizona State University research team has developed a process that removes a key obstacle to producing lower-cost, renewable biofuels. The team has programmed a photosynthetic microbe to self-destruct, making the recovery of high-energy fats--and their biofuel byproducts--easier
December 08, 2009 Read Full Article
PetroSun Announces the Selection of the Gas Technology Institute's Integrated Biorefinery Proposal by the DOE
PetroSun, Inc., announced that the Department of Energy has advised Gas Technology Institute of Des Plaines, Illinois that its Integrated Biorefinery application has been selected for negotiations leading to an award. The GTI team members include PetroSun, Cargill, Blue Marble
December 08, 2009 Read Full Article
Honeywell's UOP Green Diesel Fuel Powers Vehicles at United Nations Climate Change Conference
UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced today that its Ecofining process technology was used to convert second-generation, renewable feedstocks to green diesel fuel that will power vehicles at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Conference (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, Denmark. UOP's
December 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Algenol, Linde Partner On CO2 Management Technology
Algenol Biofuels, in partnership with The Linde Group, have agreed to collaborate in a joint project that will attempt to identify the optimum management of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen for Algenol’s algae and photobioreactor technology. The goal is to
December 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Nanofarming Offers a Kinder, Gentler Way to Get Biofuel from Algae
by Tina Casey (CleanTechnica.com) One barrier to cost-competitive biofuel from algae is about to fall, and we may have nanofarming to thank for that. The new technology uses tiny nanoparticles to absorb free fatty acids from living microalgae. It is being
December 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Discovery May Lower Cost of Algae Biofuel
by Christain Macavei (Daily Californian) UC Berkeley researchers now have a better understanding of algae, which may have implications for making biofuels more economically feasible. In a study published in the journal Nature Nov. 26, the researchers determined the role that a
December 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act of 2009 Introduced
Reps. Harry Teague (D-N.M.), Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) introduced H.R. 4168 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the definition of cellulosic biofuel to include algae-based biofuel for purposes of the cellulosic biofuel producer
December 04, 2009 Read Full Article
DuPont's 'Unique' Seaweed Venture Nets DOE Cash
by Dina Fine Maron (New York Times Greenwire) Seaweed holds promise as more than an ingredient in a purifying face mask or a maki roll. So say researchers at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., which alongside Seattle-based Bio
November 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Bill May Bolster Algae Fuel
by Ian Talley (Wall Street Journal) Legislation under consideration on Capitol Hill, including a climate bill and renewable fuel mandate, may give the industry the financial boost it needs to jump from the research and development phase to the industrial commercial
November 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Algal Biomass Association's Executive Director Mary Rosenthal Testifies Before Congress on Benefits of Algae-Based Fuels
... Unfortunately, many of the federal government’s existing policies exempt algae from receiving benefits similar to those enjoyed by other biofuels. Such oversight can be easily remedied if the government takes the following actions: 1. Financial parity – Algae should receive
November 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Alganomics in Southport Receives 'Green' Grant from North Carolina
by Jim Brumm (Star News) The governor’s office said that Alganomics is one of 18 small companies that will receive grants to develop and market promising green and alternative energy technologies and products. Alganomics will receive $59,500 to support its
November 23, 2009 Read Full Article
Could Cheap Algae Oil Power Our Energy Future?
by Cristen Conger (Discovery News MSNBC.com) Although algae is currently the most energy-dense biofuel source, the cost of producing algae oil is prohibitively expensive. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the biofuel would cost around $8 per gallon at the
November 22, 2009 Read Full Article
E10 to E100 Capable Engine Matches Diesel Efficiency at Lower Cost
by Bob Brooks (Automotive Industries) Recent news that a 5-member team plans commercialization of $1/gal (commodity cost) ethanol from algae, coincides with information that Ricardo engineers have developed a spark ignited engine able to sense and adjust automatically to any
November 22, 2009 Read Full Article
Australian Firm to Launch "World's Largest" Green Slime Facility
by Yvonne Chan (BusinessGreen.com) Australian biofuel specialist MBD Energy is poised to unveil a new facility that it claims will be the world's largest refinery for producing algae-based biofuels and high-protein livestock feed. The Melbourne-based company plans to showcase its
November 22, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae Turned Into High-Temperature Hydrogen Source
(Science Daily) In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits
November 13, 2009 Read Full Article
DOE Intends to Develop Drop-In Advanced Biofuels: Focus on Algae
by Anna Austin (Biomass Magazine)Valerie Reed of the U.S. DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy talked about the direction the DOE is taking to accelerate the development of algae-based biofuels at the Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology
November 13, 2009 Read Full Article
Natural Resources Defense Council Publishes "The Promise of Algal Biofuels"
The algae biofuels industry is comprised of many pathways to produce fuels from algae and is developing rapidly, with most companies operating in “stealth” mode. This makes measuring progress toward the promise of algae extremely difficult. Given the thousands of
November 11, 2009 Read Full Article
Clean Algae Biofuel Project Leads World in Productivity
... A joint $3.3 million project led by Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, and involving the University of Adelaide in South Australia, now leads world algae biofuel research after more than 12 months of consistent results at both universities. "It
November 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Abandoned Mines Would Grow Algae in Mo. Biofuels Project
by Katie Howell (New York Times/Greenwire) Backers of algae-based biofuels tout the simplicity of their feedstock. Sunlight and water are all that's needed to convert carbon dioxide into fuel. Now, some scientists are testing the notion that sunlight might be
November 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Lake Deemed Unsuitable for Algae Harvesting
by Eva Cohen (Winnepeg Free Press) The Manitoba government has looked into harvesting algae to help reduce phosphorus levels in Lake Winnipeg, but concluded it is just not feasible right now. Commercial algae harvesting, being done in other parts of
November 05, 2009 Read Full Article
PetroAlgae to Partner with India’s Largest Energy Company to
PetroAlgae Inc. announced that its operating subsidiary has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into an agreement to license the Company’s proprietary micro-crop technology to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for its future large-scale production of renewable fuels.Under
November 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Bio-Oil from Wastewater Algae
New Zealand's National Instititue of Water and Atmospheric Research's mission is to conduct leading environmental science to enable the sustainable management of natural resources for New Zealand and the planet. In order to produce biofuels cost-effectively there is a need for
October 24, 2009 Read Full Article
Kumho Petrochemical to Build Algae Bioethanol Plant in Yeosu, Korea
(The Korea Herald) Kumho Petrochemical Co., the South Jeolla provincial government and a local biotechnology firm agreed Thursday to establish an algae bioethanol plant by 2013, officials said, according to Yonhap News. The agreement calls for Kumho to invest a
October 24, 2009 Read Full Article
NC State Receives $2 Million for Algae Research
Imagine filling up your car with fuel that comes from inexpensive algae that grow quickly, don’t use up freshwater supplies and can be cultivated in areas where they won’t compete with traditional food crops, such as corn or soybeans. Researchers
October 22, 2009 Read Full Article
Sandia Algae Project Converts Dairy Wastes to Energy, Other Products
( Greenjobs ) ...Recently Cecelia Williams and other Sandia researchers have grown green algae in a 12-by-30-foot greenhouse using a simulated dairy effluent, the nutrient-rich liquid remaining after bacterial digestion of dairy manure. The solids from the digestion of dairy manure
October 14, 2009 Read Full Article
Industry Leaders Announce Alliance to Commercialize Integrated-Carbon-to-Liquids™ (ICTL) Fuel Technologies
(BusinessWire) Accelergy Corporation and A2BE Carbon Capture LLC today announced the formation of the Carbon Cycle Technology Alliance at the 2009 Algae Biomass Summit. The Alliance will commercialize a platform for Integrated Carbon to Liquids™ (ICTL) fuel production technologies that
October 13, 2009 Read Full Article
Will These 4 Biofuels Be Bonanzas or Busts?
(Discover) ...(A)recent series of articles from Nature News feels like a public service, as the articles investigate the scientific and economic state of affairs for four different kinds of biofuels. The first article focused on the weedy plant jatropha, which was
October 12, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae repositions as biofuels’ “humble but lovable” feedstock: industry gathers in positive, but low-key annual Summit
Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) provides a summary of the developing algae ethos at the Algae Biomass Summit in San Diego: The biotech elevator pitch usually adheres to a 'rule of 5′. The offer is invariably a product platform that "is
October 12, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae Energy Orgy
by Emily Waltz (Mother Jones) When Adam Freeman graduated last December from Kennesaw State University in Georgia with a degree in biochemistry, he wanted to work in only one field: pond scum. Freeman had read that entrepreneurs were squeezing out
October 08, 2009 Read Full Article
The Promise of Algae Biofuels
(National Resources Defense Council 92-page report) The algae biofuels industry is comprised of many pathways to produce fuels from algae and is developing rapidly, with most companies operating in “stealth” mode. This makes measuring progress toward the promise of algae
October 08, 2009 Read Full Article
Distillery Using Algae to Cut CO2
(BBC) One of Scotland's best known whisky distilleries is taking part in a scheme to cut carbon dioxide emissions using oil-producing algae. The Glenturret Distillery in Perthshire will use the ground-breaking system to turn fumes generated by whisky production into
October 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae initiative Aims to Produce Fuel while Helping the Environment
The College of William and Mary and its Virginia Institute of Marine Science have formed a collaborative research initiative to investigate a promising new technology to produce biofuel from the algae growing naturally in rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The
October 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Algenol Biofuels: Harnessing the Sun to Fuel the World
(Algenol Biofuels) In this presentation, Algenol Biofuels provides a description of it's developing Direct To Ethanol TM technology, taking algae, sunlight, salt water and CO2 to make ethanol and other bio-based products. Illustrations and diagrams generally explain the process of
September 30, 2009 Read Full Article
OriginOil Execs Unveil New Algae Productivity Model at National Algae Association’s Quarterly Conference
... “We knew that the first company to actually come out and openly document the real productivity picture would face a tough challenge,” said Barry Cohen, executive director of the National Algae Association. “OriginOil did it and now we have
September 30, 2009 Read Full Article
PARC’s Solution for Algae Fuel: Going Down the Drain
by Michael Kanellos (Greentech Media) A technology for water purification and toner cartridges could cut the onerous cost of getting algae out of water. It started as a way to purify water, but the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) believes
September 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Bill Introduced to Include Algae-Based Biofuels in Renewable Fuel Standard
Representative Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and a bipartisan group of representatives introduced HR 3460, an amendment to the Clean Air Act to include algae as an eligible feedstock in the Renewable Fuel Standard (as amended by the Energy Independence and Security
September 29, 2009 Read Full Article
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