Oilgae

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Some weeks ago there was an article on Veridium Inc. patent pending technology and an algae that contains up to 94% starch; the rest is possibly cellulose?

One member at the Oil from Algae Yahoogroup is wondering why all of us have focused on algae to (bio)diesel technology and not algae to ethanol technology...

To quote him further: "The two are not mutually exclusive. After all, the alcohol that goes into biodiesel has to come from somewhere"

He further says: "I can see many advantages to make ethanol from algae instead of diesel:
1.The lipid (oil) content in algae (best strains I have seen from different sources max. 70%) is less than starch+cellulose+ sugars(nearly 100%) content
2.Algae should be dried (a lot of energy) to extract oil but needs no treatment for ethanol fermentation
3.Extracting the oil from algae is complicated
4.CO2 from ethanol fermenting can be used as algae feedstock
5.The energy from fermenting and distilling can be used to heat algaeponds (photobioreactors) in cold climate."

Certainly food for thought!


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Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae provides links, provides directory and web links resources for the algae-based biofuels & biodiesel. It is intended to be useful for research, information, inputs, news for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, traders, suppliers, producers, exporters and importers of algal oil and algal fuels. It will make an effort to provide info on biofuel feedstock, algal feedstocks, algae oil info and link, details on fuel from algae, bio-fuel, bio-diesel, bio-fuels, algal oils production and uses, and biofuels trade & market resources, data, statistics such as price, prices, demand-supply for buyer, seller, manufacturer, trader, supplier, exporter and producer

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CCMP647 is a marine phytoplankton that has high oil content - about 50% of mass. This strain is readily available from CCMP, a US culture collection organization.

It can grow up to 50 % lipid. It doubles in about 2-3 days. Initial field trials have been few with this strain, but some of the trials appear to suggest that this strain can outcompete other invaders.


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Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae provides links, provides directory and web links resources for the algae-based biofuels & biodiesel. It is intended to be useful for research, information, inputs, news for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, traders, suppliers, producers, exporters and importers of algal oil and algal fuels. It will make an effort to provide info on biofuel feedstock, algal feedstocks, algae oil info and link, details on fuel from algae, bio-fuel, bio-diesel, bio-fuels, algal oils production and uses, and biofuels trade & market resources, data, statistics such as price, prices, demand-supply for buyer, seller, manufacturer, trader, supplier, exporter and producer

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A useful bit of info:

The CCMP is the national culture collection of marine phytoplankton for the USA and it is an integral part of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. The CCMP has 2240 strains from around the world in our collection, the preponderance marine phytoplankters,but we have benthic, macrophytic, freshwater and heterotrophic organisms as well.

You can search their online catalog for strains using taxonomic, geographic and other parameters. Strain records have (when available) collection and isolation information, culturing medium recipes and growth conditions, photographs, GenBank accession link, a collection site map, and a link to the taxonomic database Micro*scope.

The CCMP offers a course in phytoplankton culturing techniques and facilities for visiting scientists are available at our laboratories in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, USA.


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I was browsing an interesting email in the Yahoogroups Oil from Algae. A member was wondering if it is possible to use some insect larvae to extract oil. Acc to him, insect larvae such as mealworms, superworms, wax worms, have a high
lipid content (about 50 % of dry matter)....

The discussion proceeded with another member giving the example of the Black Soldier Fly to extract oil. The member seemed to be suggesting that these flies could be fed algae (which they apparently eat with glee) and the oil could be extracted from these flies. One another member had kindly posted a link where a research paper on these Black Soldier Flies feeding on manure was given - http://www.p2pays.org/ref/37/36122.pdf .

I went thru the research paper quickly and the relevant paragraph is attached below:

"There is a potential to recover energy from the processing of swine manure with black soldier fly. Since the prepupae have a high fat or oil content (Table 2), this oil might be used as an energy source. If swine manure were converted to black soldier fly prepupae at 16% of the manure dry matter, as shown above, and they contained 30% or more oil, separation of the oil followed by conversion to biodiesel would yield as much energy as methane fermentation of that same manure (Tom Richard, personal communication). After oil recovery (using an expeller process), the remaining high protein meal would likely have greater value as a feed than the whole dried prepupae. This would be especially true if black soldier fly were used as a bulk protein supplement, since high levels of inclusion of dried prepupae result in higher than optimum levels of fat in diets.

As noted, the cuticle or skin of the prepupae, like that of all arthropods, contains chitin. If black soldier fly were processed to recover oil, it might also be possible to add additional steps for recovery of chitin and chitosan. Such products have uses of significant value in several industries (http://members.tripod.com/~Dalwoo/use.htm, for examples). A refined animal protein, as would be produced by removal of the oil and chitin from black soldier fly, would likely have significantly greater feeding and economic value than the original dried insect larvae.
"
End of quote

One might wonder someone would go to the trouble of feeding flies with algae (which themselves contain oil) and then trying to extract oil from these flies. (by the way, these flies can eat many other things, manure for instance, and not just algae). I think the reason behind this thought process is that it could be easier to extract oil from flies than from the algae...at least that was what I thought was the point the author was trying to make

Interesting idea, though I', doubtful at this stage if it has long term potential

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While on this side, for biodiesel, algae appear to be one of the feedstocks of the future, on the other side, for gasoline, the equivalent appears to be cellulosic ethanol, whose yields, it appears are higher than ethanol from corn and sugarcane.

So thought maybe this note could be of interest to you.

This is from a (US) Congressional Briefing Notice. I'm too late in posting this, the event appears to be over already!, but the details of the briefing could be of use.

Congressional Briefing Notice: Cellulosic Ethanol Technology: Is it Ready To Be Commercially Deployed Today?

9/20/2006 3:19:00 PM


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor, Energy, Environment reporters

Contact: Jetta Wong, 202-662-1885

News Advisory:

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites media to a Congressional briefing to hear directly from industry leaders who are eager and prepared to begin deploying cellulosic ethanol technologies. As our country faces a future of growing oil imports and national security concerns, volatile oil and gas markets, climatic shifts and potentially more challenges to our agricultural policies, cellulosic ethanol technologies are emerging as a part of the solution to all of these problems. But there are significant issues surrounding deployment of these technologies that need to be addressed. This briefing will cover some of the leading companies' projects, their plans for deployment, their technological approaches, as well as risks and challenges that the industry still faces.

Speakers:

-- Arnold R. Klann - chairman, president, CEO, BlueFire Ethanol, Inc

-- Maurice Hladk - director, marketing, Iogen, Corp.

-- John Doyle - vice president, operations, Celunol, Corp.

Date: Friday, Sept. 22

Time: 12-1 p.m.

Location: 1302 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Background:

Cellulosic ethanol is ethanol derived from essentially inexhaustible resources by utilizing the cellulose that is found in all plant matter, in contrast to starch-based ethanol produced mainly from corn. Cellulose is a carbohydrate polymer that makes up the walls of all plant cells and is also found in green algae and some bacteria. Many people know that corn stover and switchgrass can be converted to ethanol, but technologies have been developed to process a number of other cellulosic feedstocks, including dedicated energy crops like hybrid poplars, willow, miscanthus, sorghum as well as "waste" biomass like sugarcane bagasse, rice hulls, orchard prunings, wheat straw, and forest thinnings.

In addition, municipal wastes, waste paper, yard and construction wastes, and industrial wastes such as pulp/paper and sludge also are target feedstocks. Cellulose is the most abundant naturally-occurring organic compound on earth and its efficient conversion to renewable energy would represent an important breakthrough.

Research on cellulosic ethanol technologies has been underway for quite sometime. The Department of Energy has invested in research on enzymatic, thermochemical, acid hydrolysis, hybrid hydrolysis/enzymatic and a variety of other approaches. The Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 helped develop a number of these technologies from conception to pre-commercial status. While this research is important, federal support through programs authorized in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58), e.g, the DOE Loan Guarantee program, the Production Incentives for Cellulosic Biofuels program, and the Integrated Biorefinery Demonstration Projects, need to be expeditiously funded and implemented to overcome initial barriers to commercialization and to gain the considerable public benefits that will flow from deployment.

DOE has set a goal of displacing 30 percent of gasoline demand (2004 levels) with biofuels, primarily ethanol, by 2030. The opportunities to address national security, climate change and rural economic pressures by increasing the deployment of cellulosic technologies are viewed as a "win-win-win" by many. Cutting oil imports, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and creating jobs in our rural communities are all positive attributes of the commercialization of these technologies.

This briefing is open to the public.

Attn Reporters: If you are unable to attend the briefing, but would like to schedule an interview, please contact Stella H. Melley at 202-431-6461. For general information, please contact Jetta Wong at 202-662-1885.

http://www.usnewswire.com/ - oringial press release here




Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae provides links, provides directory and web links resources for the algae-based biofuels & biodiesel. It is intended to be useful for research, information, inputs, news for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, traders, suppliers, producers, exporters and importers of algal oil and algal fuels. It will make an effort to provide info on biofuel feedstock, algal feedstocks, algae oil info and link, details on fuel from algae, bio-fuel, bio-diesel, bio-fuels, algal oils production and uses, and biofuels trade & market resources, data, statistics such as price, prices, demand-supply for buyer, seller, manufacturer, trader, supplier, exporter and producer

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Press release: (taken from Market wire)

Valcent Products Inc. (OTCBB: VCTPF) announced today that it has developed a proprietary high density vertical bio-reactor for the mass production of oil bearing algae. While removing large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere This new bio-reactor is tailored to grow a species of algae that yields a large volume of high grade vegetable oil, which is very suitable for blending with diesel to create a bio-diesel fuel.

The system consists of a series of closely spaced vertical bio-reactors constructed of thin film membranes allowing high levels of light penetration. The membrane is configured for an optimum flow for the growth of algae. This dynamic system produces much higher algae growth rates than conventional static systems. When fully operational, the system yields a constant supply of algae which is harvested, dried and processed to remove the oil, leaving a residue of some 50% by weight, which can also be sold for a variety of commercial products. The system will be a closed loop, which allows for a greater retention of water in the system, and eliminates cross contamination by other algae species.

For purposes of comparison only, an acre of corn will yield approximately 18 gallons per acre per year of oil, whereas Valcent's new system, using extrapolated data from its own test bed facility, indicates a production yield of up to 150,000 gallons per acre per year. In doing so, up to 90% of the algae, by weight, is sequestered CO2, which will become an additional revenue source, either in the emerging voluntary green credit markets within the USA, or under the Kyoto protocols elsewhere.

Today Valcent announced that it has entered into an agreement with Global Green Solutions Inc. Who will fund the next phase of development of the technology including the completion and testing of a fully operational demonstration pilot plant over the next 9 months. Global Green expects to invest approximately $2,500,000 in development and has named the joint venture "Vertigro". In consideration of their investment GGRN will earn a 70% joint venture interest while Valcent's 30% interest will be wholly carried for commercial industrial use. Valcent retained the right to carry Global Green for a 30% Joint Venture interest if Valcent elects to produce a model for a consumer market. The joint venture interest are subject to third party royalties of 4.5%. Doug Frater, CEO of Global Green, noted, "We are experiencing significant early interest for Vertigro from power utilities, oil and gas production and petrochemical companies, as well as international government institutions. We are looking forward to working with Valcent's engineering group during the commercialization process."

Glen Kertz, CEO of Valcent, also commented, "In addition to its obvious commercial advantages, we are gratified to be assisting in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while producing a secure source of energy within the USA. We are also proud to note that Vertigro plants will not be built on existing agricultural lands." He also noted, "The development of this product could be a big step towards improving our environment, by creating cleaner air, and producing bio-diesel fuels in a dramatically more efficient and less costly method."

Valcent Products Inc. designs and creates some of the most technologically advanced and highest quality products on the market today - products that not only improve quality of life, but promote overall good health. With targeted innovation, the company creates products that everyone will use every day. Valcent is committed to providing superior products and services which provide explicit and definable benefits while advantageously interacting with the environment. By sound application of these principles, Valcent's scope and abilities range from daily use consumer products to global environmental projects, all of which address large and proven markets.




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Oilfield service provider PetroSun Drilling Inc. recently formed a wholly owned subsidiary called Algae Biofuels Inc. According to PetroSun, its new spin-off company will focus on the research and development of high-oil-yielding algae cultivation for processing into biodiesel. Sites in Arizona and Australia will house Algae Biofuels’ R&D and production facilities. PeroSun is currently a service provider to the oil industry

Personalities mentioned: PetroSun’s president L. Rayfield Wright

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Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae provides links, provides directory and web links resources for the algae-based biofuels & biodiesel. It is intended to be useful for research, information, inputs, news for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, traders, suppliers, producers, exporters and importers of algal oil and algal fuels. It will make an effort to provide info on biofuel feedstock, algal feedstocks, algae oil info and link, details on fuel from algae, bio-fuel, bio-diesel, bio-fuels, algal oils production and uses, and biofuels trade & market resources, data, statistics such as price, prices, demand-supply for buyer, seller, manufacturer, trader, supplier, exporter and producer

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Solix Biofuels Inc., a Boulder, Colo.-based business, is developing technology for the massive cultivation of algae to produce biodiesel and also working toward the goal of implementing the technology, according to COO and CFO Doug Henston. Originally explored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, newer technology now makes it practical, CEO Jim Sears said.

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Summary of the article: Within 15 years U.S. biodiesel industry consolidation will begin, Brazil will become a production leader and algae will become a viable biodiesel feedstock, according to a research report now available from Emerging Markets Online. The Houston-based energy intelligence and management consulting firm has published its 380-page "Biodiesel 2020: A Global Market Survey."

Other points:
1. U.S. biodiesel distribution to expand as companies like Marathon Oil Co. and Chevron become invested in the industry
2. The U.S. retail market is already growing from 300 refueling sites in 2005 to more than 950 sites this year.
3. Public consumption in Europe represents 2 percent of total on-road fuel consumption today and is expected to reach 6 percent by 2010
3. The participation by the larger corporations in larger, lower-cost biodiesel enterprises will lead to a consolidation among smaller players.
4. Biodiesel production is expected to expand overseas. Thurmond said Brazil will play an important role as an international biodiesel supplier
5. China and India will become large-scale producers and users of biodiesel over the next decade
6. Within five years soy oil may be start being replaced by biodiesel created from algae or imported palm oil

Companies mentioned: Emerging Markets Online, Marathon Oil Co., Chevron

Personalities mentioned: Will Thurmond, author of the report

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Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae provides links, provides directory and web links resources for the algae-based biofuels & biodiesel. It is intended to be useful for research, information, inputs, news for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, traders, suppliers, producers, exporters and importers of algal oil and algal fuels. It will make an effort to provide info on biofuel feedstock, algal feedstocks, algae oil info and link, details on fuel from algae, bio-fuel, bio-diesel, bio-fuels, algal oils production and uses, and biofuels trade & market resources, data, statistics such as price, prices, demand-supply for buyer, seller, manufacturer, trader, supplier, exporter and producer

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The following is the abstract of the news item...

Global Green Solutions Inc. announced it has the right to earn the exclusive world rights to a bio-fuel oil technology (known as Vertigro) from Valcent Products Inc. of El Paso, Texas.

Vertigro is a C02 sequestration system in high-density vertical bioreactors for the mass production of certain algae...Approximately 50% of the dry weight of the algae is an oil suitable for bio-fuel blending with diesel and for other uses. Vertigro is designed as a continuous closed loop that uses little man made energy and nominal water.

...yields up to 4,000 barrels oil per acre, per year, at an estimated cost of $20 per barrel are achievable on a commercial scale. ...by comparison, typically corn will yield up to one-half a barrel of oil per acre per year at considerably higher cost; palm oil, with highest yield of conventional sources, delivers approximately fifteen barrels of oil per acre per year.

Vertigro will sequester approximately 2,700,000 tons C02 per year which will be sold as a green credit within the emerging green credit system within the USA and within the Kyoto Protocols.

Global Green has agreed to fund a demonstration pilot plant at an estimated cost of $2,500,000. The Plant will be built on Valcent's lands located in the El Paso area by mid July of 2007...

...The US Department of Agriculture believes that demand for biodiesel fuels will grow astronomically and account for 200 billion barrels produced by 2010....

Personalities mentioned:
Doug Frater, CEO of Global Green
Glen Kertz, CEO of Valcent

Companies/Organizations mentioned: Global Green Solutions Inc.

Full News Item can be found here - CCN Matthews

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