You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Teachers and students in the biotechnology program at Brunswick Community College will grow enough algae to produce around 75 pounds of oil each month.

That oil will fuel tractors and utility vehicles on campus.

Michelle Sabaoun is the lead instructor of biotechnology. She says the project provides hands-on experience for a booming new field.

News source: WHQR91.3fm

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Brunswick Community College Joins the Biofuel Bandwagon  1 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

News release

BioGauge(TM), International Energy's new patent-pending 'bio-profiling' technology, helps determine peak production of oil in algae for extraction of bio-crude -- an important innovation in optimizing development and production of commercial algae-based biofuels.

International Energy, a developer of leading-edge technologies for the renewable generation of photosynthetic biofuels, today announced that researchers have devised and instituted an important patent-pending technology capable of rapidly determining the accumulation of bio-oil and other high-value compounds in microalgae, an important advancement in the development of tools for the commercial production of biofuels from algae.

"In order to extract the maximum quantity and quality of bio-oil or bio-polymer from microalgae, it is vital that engineers are able to rapidly determine exactly how much of the compound of interest is present in the algae feedstock at all times during its growth. In all cases, we want to extract oil at the peak moment in the algae's natural oil production cycle, and this newest innovation uniquely positions International Energy with a fast, reliable technology to do so," explained Mr. Gregory B. O'Reilly, President and CEO of International Energy, Inc.

"Notably, BioGauge(TM), our patent-pending breakthrough, gives us the competitive edge in rapidly screening multiple samples for the content of the desired compound(s) in microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria, a know-how that can maximize harvest yields and ultimately help hedge against the risk of product degradation."
According to researchers, one of the most important steps in the production of commercial bio-crude and biofuels from algae is the ability to determine the right time to extract oil from the microalgae feedstock during the algae's growth-cycle. To date, scientists have often used a series of time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes unreliable laboratory methods. In contrast, International Energy's new BioGauge(TM) bio-profiling technology is easy-to-use, instantaneous, and highly-reliable.
"These technical achievements collectively offer us special commercial advantages, and are especially timely in light of recent, key advances in the development of our biofuels from algae, a safe, renewable, non-food-source energy feedstock," concluded Mr. O'Reilly.

In addition to today's news, the Company has previously announced major technological advances in nutrient delivery and bio-oil extraction processes. International Energy's proprietary nutrient delivery protocol alleviates specific nutrient absorption limitations in microalgae, thereby enhancing growth and hydrocarbon production.

Researchers have also developed a novel, continuous bio-oil extraction process that is safe for the Company's proprietary microalgae. Microalgae processed utilizing International Energy's OilFlow(TM) extraction process remain viable hydrocarbon producers, reducing expected maintenance costs while maximizing yield per acre.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INC.

International Energy, Inc. (Symbol: IENI) is developing leading edge technologies for the production of biofuels derived directly from the photosynthesis of green microalgae, which can accumulate up to 30% of their biomass in the form of valuable biofuels.

As a result of current high oil prices, depleting fossil oil reserves and growing concerns about increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, algae have emerged as one of the most promising sources for biofuel production.
Our technology seeks to convert water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful long-chain liquid hydrocarbons from the photosynthesis of proprietary unicellular microalgae, which offer advantages in the production, storage and utilization of renewable biofuels, as they can be harvested easily, stored in liquid form and do not require special containment systems.

The process of industrial scale algae growth in photo-bioreactors is non-toxic and non-polluting, can be scaled-up, offers a renewable energy supply, and aids in carbon sequestration and the mitigation of climate change.

In contrast to biofuels from food crops or cellulosic materials, certain algae produce and accumulate oil naturally and can in the process clean up waste by absorbing and utilizing nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Additionally, raw algae can be processed to make biofuel, the renewable equivalent of petroleum, and refined to make gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and chemical feedstock for plastics and drugs.
OilFlow(TM) and BioGauge(TM) are trademarks of International Energy, Inc.

For additional information, please visit www.InternationalEnergyInc.com

To view the full HTML text of this release, please visit: http://www.internationalenergyinc.com/10-09-08.php

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Diagnostic Technology for Algae-Derived Biofuels from International Energy Announces  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

News release

HOUSTON -- For more than 20 years, Algae biofuels projects have been primarily focused on biodiesel production. “In recent years, the algae industry has evolved in size, scope, technologies and applications to produce several different types of fuels for transport and power generation,” notes Will Thurmond, Chairman of Research and Development for the National Algae Association and author of the 685 page Biodiesel 2020 study. “There are dozens of new algae projects and applications emerging to produce biodiesel, ethanol, commercial jet fuel, renewable diesel, biogasoline, biomass for power generation and hydrogen fuels,” said Thurmond.

Algae are the fastest-growing plants in the world. Compared to 1st generation feedstocks, algae holds enormous potential to provide a high-yield, non-arable land use, non-food, non-rainforest source of fuels. Like other plants, Algae use photo-synthesis to harness sunlight and carbon dioxide in order to capture energy stored inside the cell as lipids (the source for oil) and starches/carbohydrates.

“Many of the National Algae Association’s members are now starting to create ethanol from starch-rich algae strains. Other NAA members are utilizing waste streams from municipal water authorities to grow algae. In addition there is a great deal of interest to capture carbon from the smokestacks of a power plant, and use the carbon to produce algae for low-emissions biofuels for transport - a double benefit for environmental pollution,” said Thurmond. “The petroleum, defense, and aviation industries are increasingly investing in converting algae into bio-oil (also called bio-crude, or syncrude) that can either be sold directly to petrol refineries, or to aviation companies to be processed into JP8 jet fuels.”

Barry Cohen, founder of the National Algae Association Industry, notes, “the US commercial aviation industry spends upwards of $1.6 billion a month on jet fuel. Due to these rising demands and concerns, the NAA is witnessing an increasing number of members and projects from petroleum, defense, and aviation industries to reduce commercial aviation fuel costs and to support of US government and defense efforts for energy independence,” said Cohen.

The National Algae Association will host its third event from October 23-24 near Houston to showcase many of its members’ projects, including algae to: biodiesel, ethanol, aviation fuel, renewable diesel, biocrude, hydrogen, and bio-gasoline from algae. Several companies, including Sapphire Energy, Origin Oil, and representatives from the biofuels, aviation and petroleum industries will present their leading-edge algae technologies and projects at the NAA’s next event.

For more information on this event, or to become a member of the NAA visit: http://www.nationalalgaeassociation.com.
Contacts

National Algae Association
Barry Cohen, 936-321-1125
info(at)nationalalgaeassociation.com
www.nationalalgaeassociation.com

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae's Many Applications to Be Showcased at National Algae Association Conference October 23-24 in Houston  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Alternative Energy Resources Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland, and a team of researchers led by Dr. Patrick Murray at the National University of Ireland in Galway have successfully developed a process that will produce biodiesel from local species of algae, said John Travers, CEO of Alternative Energy Resources.

Alternative Energy Resources has been working on this for the past 18 months on the project. According to Travers, Alternative Energy Resources will seek to commercialize and license the technology that is being developed.

Source: Biodiesel Magazine

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae Biodiesel from Alternative Energy Resources Ltd. of Dublin  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Virginia’s first algae farm located outside of Spring Grove includes a series of tanks that hold algae and lined “raceways” where the algae grows.

There was much ado near Spring Grove recently over the opening of an experimental farm - the first of its kind in Virginia - that grows a single, if slimy, commodity: algae.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine came and spoke, as did a state senator and state delegate who represent this rural area between Norfolk and Richmond, just east of Hopewell. Navy officers attended a VIP ceremony to christen the farm, as did dozens of environmentalists, scientists and curious businesses executives.

Algal Farms Inc. is a private-public venture that seeks to build on research at Old Dominion University into alternative energy. Its purpose: determine if algae can be grown, harvested and converted into biodiesel fuel, as well as a byproduct fertilizer, in sufficient amounts to make a decent profit.

More from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Virginia's First Algae Farm Near Spring Grove an Experiment in Biofuel  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

This is a press release courtesy of Portland General Electric (PGE)

A cutting-edge experiment now underway at the Boardman Power Plant in Morrow County, Ore., could help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal-fired electric generating stations nationwide.

Portland General Electric (PGE) and Columbia Energy Partners (CEP) are testing whether algae grown at the 600-megawatt Boardman power plant can turn carbon dioxide and other emissions into biofuels and livestock feed.

The process involves capturing CO2 and feeding it to algae, which are being grown adjacent to the plant. During photosynthesis, the algae ingest CO2 and release oxygen into the air, retaining oil and other byproducts. The oil is "squeezed" out of the algae and used to produce clean-burning biodiesel. The remaining biomass is used to produce ethanol and proteins for livestock feed.

PGE is among the first utilities to investigate using algae to reduce CO2 and other emissions. This small-scale study will investigate the effectiveness and commercial viability of a large-scale algae carbon-capture project.

"PGE is working on several fronts to reduce emissions at the Boardman plant, which is an important part of our mix of energy resources," said Jaisen Mody, generation projects director. "We already have proposed an aggressive plan to cut haze-causing emissions by more than 76 percent, and mercury emissions by 90 percent. We are excited to be working with Columbia Energy Partners to explore options for reducing the plant's carbon footprint as well."

Chris Crowley, president of Columbia Energy Partners, said, "Columbia Energy Partners is committed to building Oregon's renewable energy economy with innovative projects like this one, in addition to our traditional wind and solar projects.

"This cutting-edge effort with PGE to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while producing sustainable feedstock for biofuels will reduce our dependence on foreign oil while capturing greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting both the economy and the environment," Crowley said.

In the current exploratory phase, PGE and Columbia Energy Partners hope to learn which of the available naturally occurring algae strains are best suited to capture and consume CO2. Scientists working at the plant will study how each algae strain lives and reproduces, how fast it grows, how resistant it is to temperature and how much CO2 it consumes. The results will determine if further analysis in a larger second phase is warranted.

"Pursuing promising technologies and strategies is one way PGE seeks to meet growing demand, while protecting the environment and keeping prices reasonable for our customers," Mody said.

Full article here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Portland General Electric - Algae Turns CO2 Gases into Fuel, Livestock Feed  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Here's an interesting article on the algal biofuel phenomenon in Netherlands.

Mostly known stuff, but you might be able to get some local tidbits and names if you wish to contact some folks in Netherlands in this regard

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algal Biofuels in Netherlands  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

One of the companies working on making algal fuels viable is Green Star, and they just announced the creation of a new micronutrient that can help boost algae daily growth rate by 34% and "increase the total biomass quantity in a harvest algae growth cycle by well over 100%."

"The UABC testing has shown that 1:10,000 nutrient dilution rates were very productive (i.e. one gallon of MMB mixed with 10,000 gallons of water). Even at 1:20,000 dilution levels, the MMB was still effective."

More from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Green Star's Breakthrough Micronutrient to Boost Algae Growth  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

In what it calls its most significant milestone yet, Sapphire Energy , claims it has succeeded in refining a high-octane gasoline from algae that is chemically identical to crude oil. According to Sapphire Energy, “The resulting gasoline is completely compatible with current infrastructure, meaning absolutely no change to consumer’s cars.” This is of course in addition to the benefit that their Green Crude is a carbon neutral fuel.

According to the original article in The Guardian, Sapphire won’t reveal exactly what sort of algae they are using, but it is suspected that they are using a genetically-modified cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).

Sapphire believes it will be able to make commercial quantities of this fuel within three to five years.

More from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Sapphire Energy's Biofuel Chemically Identical to Gasoline?  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Access Dr. John R. Benemann New White Paper 'Opportunities & Challenges in Algae Biofuels Production' for FREE


From a news release

Maximize returns and understand Algae as a biofuel feedstock. Pinpoint challenges to Algae fuel and project long-term ROI.

Dr. John R. Benemann co-authored the famous “A Look Back at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Aquatic Species Program: Biodiesel from Algae” report prepared for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Published in 1998, Dr. Benemann’s report is widely considered as one of the first and most comprehensive publications directly addressing the potential of Biofuel production from Algae.

In this new position paper, 'Opportunities and Challenges in Biofuels Production', Dr John R Benemann reveals key insights into the current reality, opportunity & challenges of Algae Biofuel production through discussion of current Algae cultivation & harvesting practices, and technologies that must be adopted in developing a sustainable position in Algae Biofuel production. He also explores the need for reliable and low cost processes.

Released in line with Algae World 2008 conference in Singapore, this critical position paper makes available an OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT of the challenges and potential of developing Algae Biofuel.

You can access the free download from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Dr. John R. Benemann New White Paper 'Opportunities & Challenges in Algae Biofuels Production' Free Download  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Excerpts from Press Release for the Algae World Summit in Singapore, in Nov 2008

Algae World 2008 guarantees objective insights on Commercialization of Algae Biofuels, latest advances & constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing.

* Algae World 2008 will bring about a dynamic exchange of the latest research, investment outlook and pathways to the widespread commercialization of Algae Biofuel around the world.
* Algae World 2008 objectively examines Algae’s potential to address some of the world’s most pressing issues including climate change, pollution, the need for alternative fuels, and global economic development.
* Algae World 2008, a premier Buyer-Seller meet, provides an excellent networking platform for the match-making of Major Technology/Solution providers and Energy Developers.

More details from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae World 2008 - Singapore, 17-18 Nov 2008  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Press release

BioGauge(TM), International Energy's new patent-pending 'bio-profiling' technology, helps determine peak production of oil in algae for extraction of bio-crude -- an important innovation in optimizing development and production of commercial algae-based biofuels.

NEWARK, N.J., Sep 10, 2008 -- International Energy, Inc., a developer of leading-edge technologies for the renewable generation of photosynthetic biofuels, today announced that researchers have devised and instituted an important patent-pending technology capable of rapidly determining the accumulation of bio-oil and other high-value compounds in microalgae, an important advancement in the development of tools for the commercial production of biofuels from algae.

"In order to extract the maximum quantity and quality of bio-oil or bio-polymer from microalgae, it is vital that engineers are able to rapidly determine exactly how much of the compound of interest is present in the algae feedstock at all times during its growth. In all cases, we want to extract oil at the peak moment in the algae's natural oil production cycle, and this newest innovation uniquely positions International Energy with a fast, reliable technology to do so," explained Mr. Gregory B. O'Reilly, President and CEO of International Energy, Inc.

"Notably, BioGauge(TM), our patent-pending breakthrough, gives us the competitive edge in rapidly screening multiple samples for the content of the desired compound(s) in microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria, a know-how that can maximize harvest yields and ultimately help hedge against the risk of product degradation."

According to researchers, one of the most important steps in the production of commercial bio-crude and biofuels from algae is the ability to determine the right time to extract oil from the microalgae feedstock during the algae's growth-cycle. To date, scientists have often used a series of time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes unreliable laboratory methods. In contrast, International Energy's new BioGauge(TM) bio-profiling technology is easy-to-use, instantaneous, and highly-reliable.

"These technical achievements collectively offer us special commercial advantages, and are especially timely in light of recent, key advances in the development of our biofuels from algae, a safe, renewable, non-food-source energy feedstock," concluded Mr. O'Reilly.

In addition to today's news, the Company has previously announced major technological advances in nutrient delivery and bio-oil extraction processes. International Energy's proprietary nutrient delivery protocol alleviates specific nutrient absorption limitations in microalgae, thereby enhancing growth and hydrocarbon production.

Researchers have also developed a novel, continuous bio-oil extraction process that is safe for the Company's proprietary microalgae. Microalgae processed utilizing International Energy's OilFlow(TM) extraction process remain viable hydrocarbon producers, reducing expected maintenance costs while maximizing yield per acre.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INC.

International Energy, Inc. (Symbol: IENI) is developing leading edge technologies for the production of biofuels derived directly from the photosynthesis of green microalgae, which can accumulate up to 30% of their biomass in the form of valuable biofuels.

As a result of current high oil prices, depleting fossil oil reserves and growing concerns about increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, algae have emerged as one of the most promising sources for biofuel production.
Our technology seeks to convert water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful long-chain liquid hydrocarbons from the photosynthesis of proprietary unicellular microalgae, which offer advantages in the production, storage and utilization of renewable biofuels, as they can be harvested easily, stored in liquid form and do not require special containment systems.
The process of industrial scale algae growth in photo-bioreactors is non-toxic and non-polluting, can be scaled-up, offers a renewable energy supply, and aids in carbon sequestration and the mitigation of climate change.

In contrast to biofuels from food crops or cellulosic materials, certain algae produce and accumulate oil naturally and can in the process clean up waste by absorbing and utilizing nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. Additionally, raw algae can be processed to make biofuel, the renewable equivalent of petroleum, and refined to make gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and chemical feedstock for plastics and drugs.

OilFlow(TM) and BioGauge(TM) are trademarks of International Energy, Inc.

For additional information, please visit www.InternationalEnergyInc.com
To receive future press releases via email, please visit: http://www.internationalenergyinc.com/investor-relations.php
To view the full HTML text of this release, please visit: http://www.internationalenergyinc.com/10-09-08.php

SOURCE: International Energy, Inc.

International Energy, Inc.
Mr. Gregory O'Reilly, 800-676-1006
www.internationalenergyinc.com

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Breakthrough Diagnostic Technology for Algae-Derived Biofuels from International Energy  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

The Southland Times | Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Invercargill-designed machinery that turns sewage-pond algae into crude oil and leaves the water clean enough for reuse has generated strong interest from southern councils.

Invercargill engineering firm B L Rayners Ltd and Christchurch company Solvent Rescue Ltd are working together to develop the machinery and plan to market and sell it as early as next year.

B L Rayners owner Wayne Harpur said New Zealand councils would be ideal customers because they collectively own 220 oxidation ponds that grow the oil-rich algae.

Source

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - New Zealand Councils see potential in sewage oil machine  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Bebout and Associates of Savannah and its partners Enegis LLC of Virginia and the University of Nevada at Reno (UNR) recently completed construction of four algae ponds on the Reno campus. The first algae crop is expected to be harvested in October of this year.

The ponds were constructed so that they may be used individually or in tandem, permitting the widest possible range of experimentation with different species/varieties of algae as well as factors which control algae productivity and growth.

Work has already begun on the downstream aspects of algae-to-biodiesel production. Bebout and Enegis are developing several low-energy demand methods for extracting the oil from the algae which will be tested over the next nine to twelve months.

Source: The Creative Coast

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae Ponds for Biodiese in Nevada by Bebout and Associates  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the selection of six advanced biofuels projects in which DOE plans to invest up to US$4.4 million, subject to annual appropriations. These awards to U.S. institutions of higher education will support research and development (R&D) for cost-effective, environmentally friendly biomass conversion technologies for turning non-food feedstocks into advanced biofuels. Combined with the minimum university cost share of 20 percent, more than $5.7 million is slated for investment in these six projects.

The following six projects were competitively selected for negotiation of awards:

The University of Toledo will address development of cost-effective biocatalysts capable of increasing product yield in the biological conversion of lignocellulosic biomass.

Steven’s Institute of Technology’s New Jersey Center (Hoboken, N. J.) for MicroChemical Systems with Catalysts LLC is planning to evaluate and demonstrate a novel microchannel reactor to reform pyrolysis oil to synthesis gas (syngas).

Montana State University will partner with Utah State University to evaluate the oil content of algae cultures available to the universities and identify populations that naturally have higher rates of oil production.

University of Georgia plans to develop novel approaches to supply nutrients to oil-producing algal systems resulting in cost-effective algae-biofuel production systems.

The University of Maine in conjunction with several industry and academic partners is planning to determine the optimal yield and productivity of high potential bacteria at moderate to high temperatures.

Georgia Tech Research Corporation plans to evaluate and model the reaction kinetics in two experimental gasifiers using forest residues under different processing conditions.

Source: Environmental Expert

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - DOE to invest up to US$4.4m in six innovative biofuels projects at US universities  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

In the endevour to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions to achieve a clean environment, humble algae appears to be taking a lead over the more-talked-about biodiesel source jatropha.

Experts say that algae farming in less than 1 per cent of India’s total land can make the country self-sufficient in liquid fuel. Algae yield from one acre of wasteland can be 10 times more than jatropha and by a conservative estimate over 10,000 litres of oil can be produced from one acre of waste/degraded land, they add.

And not just this, algae farming for biofuels can also provide a solution to the food versus fuel debate. As algae do not need agriculture land, it can be grown using non-potable or sea water.

Read the full article here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae Biofuel Takes Lead Over Jatropha  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Here are some excerpts on what companies are doing to reduce the cost of making oil and fuel from algae. This is from a recent article at Scientific American

Costs for algae-based fuel currently range from $10 to $100 per gallon, according to systems engineer Ron Pate at Sandia National Laboratories. "The idea [is] bringing algal oil down to $1 or $2 per gallon at a scale of 50 million gallons [190 million liters] per year."

High cost is a problem throughout the algal biofuels industry. "It's energy cost to pump the water," says Craig Harting, chief operating officer for Vancouver-based Global Green Solutions, which is building 100 bioreactors (large plastic devices used to grow algae) at a pilot plant in El Paso, Tex. "It's capital cost to build bioreactors. It's the harvesting and extraction process."

As a result, most companies say they have yet to determine the consumer price tag for algae-derived oil—or to produce much of the stuff—though Wolfson says Solazyme's goal is $40 to $80 a barrel—competitive with fossil oil.

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Companies Trying to Bring Down Cost of Producing Oil from Algae  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Now, armed with patents, several test facilities around the world, and some $70 million in private backing, Algenol is targeting its first large-scale ethanol production facility with output that may rival that of some of the category's largest U.S. players. Algenol recently inked a partnership with BioFields, which has committed $850 million to build an industrial-scale ethanol facility in Mexico on 102,000 acres of desert located near the Pacific coast and not far from Cabo San Lucas.

Using a patented algae, Alegenol uses seawater and places the water-based plant inside. As the algae grows, Alegenol will tap into carbon dioxide from a nearby power plant and funnel it into the tanks. The algae takes the gas and converts it into oxygen and evaporated alcohol, which is then removed and concentrated for use as fuel. Unlike other algae players that make diesel oil by processing algae itself, Algenol doesn't spend time or energy removing the algae. It uses the ethanol vapors that the plant emits

Full report here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae to Ethanol Producer Algenol Bets On New Production Method  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Kansas City Business Journal

Burns & McDonnell, the Kansas City engineering firm, is working to cultivate emerging green technology that uses algae to stem pollution and create fuel.

Robert Healy, a senior manager with the firm, promotes nationwide the two-pronged benefit of using algae to absorb some carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. The greenhouse gas is a fuel for algae, grown on unused land near power plants that in turn can be used to make biodiesel or other products.

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Engg Firm Burns & Mac Plants Concept for Algae Biofuel with Utilities  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Found something interesting in this article which gives the latest updates on PetroAlgae in Melbourne, Australia

"
The key to making it financially feasible is for algae farms to get paid two ways, John Benneman said. First, farms should get paid for getting rid of unwanted products that algae will eat, like wastewater and carbon dioxide. Second, farms can then harvest and sell the oil. Within the next five years, algae farms could be getting paid for taking over wastewater treatment, Benneman said.

Tennant hopes to create a similar model. The United States could soon commit to greenhouse gas legislation that will make it expensive to pollute by carbon dioxide. Power plants will have to pay to pollute. Since algae eats carbon dioxide, Tennant hopes he can locate algae farms near power plants, and get paid to take their carbon dioxide problem off their hands.
"

Interesting perspective.

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Key to making Algae Fuels Financially Feasible is for Algae Farms to Get Paid Two Waysl  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, today announced that the finetuning of the Helix BioReactor™ subsystems has yielded positive results.

In its original May 2008 patent filing for the Enhanced Algae Growth System, the company reported initial algae production metrics based on its first prototype of February 2008. Since that time, the engineering team has fine tuned the Helix BioReactor subsystems to further increase performance characteristics. These have now yielded sufficient results to begin design and layout of larger scale systems, according to the company

More from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - OriginOil Announces Finetuning of Helix BioReactor™ subsystems  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Press release

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For more than 20 years, Algae biofuels projects have been primarily focused on biodiesel production. “In recent years, the algae industry has evolved in size, scope, technologies and applications to produce several different types of fuels for transport and power generation,” notes Will Thurmond, Chairman of Research and Development for the National Algae Association and author of the 685 page Biodiesel 2020 study. “There are dozens of new algae projects and applications emerging to produce biodiesel, ethanol, commercial jet fuel, renewable diesel, biogasoline, biomass for power generation and hydrogen fuels,” said Thurmond.

ADVERTISEMENT
Algae are the fastest-growing plants in the world. Compared to 1st generation feedstocks, algae holds enormous potential to provide a high-yield, non-arable land use, non-food, non-rainforest source of fuels. Like other plants, Algae use photo-synthesis to harness sunlight and carbon dioxide in order to capture energy stored inside the cell as lipids (the source for oil) and starches/carbohydrates.

“Many of the National Algae Association’s members are now starting to create ethanol from starch-rich algae strains. Other NAA members are utilizing waste streams from municipal water authorities to grow algae. In addition there is a great deal of interest to capture carbon from the smokestacks of a power plant, and use the carbon to produce algae for low-emissions biofuels for transport - a double benefit for environmental pollution,” said Thurmond. “The petroleum, defense, and aviation industries are increasingly investing in converting algae into bio-oil (also called bio-crude, or syncrude) that can either be sold directly to petrol refineries, or to aviation companies to be processed into JP8 jet fuels.”

Barry Cohen, founder of the National Algae Association Industry, notes, “the US commercial aviation industry spends upwards of $1.6 billion a month on jet fuel. Due to these rising demands and concerns, the NAA is witnessing an increasing number of members and projects from petroleum, defense, and aviation industries to reduce commercial aviation fuel costs and to support of US government and defense efforts for energy independence,” said Cohen.

The National Algae Association will host its third event from October 23-24 near Houston to showcase many of its members’ projects, including algae to: biodiesel, ethanol, aviation fuel, renewable diesel, biocrude, hydrogen, and bio-gasoline from algae. Several companies, including Sapphire Energy, Origin Oil, and representatives from the biofuels, aviation and petroleum industries will present their leading-edge algae technologies and projects at the NAA’s next event.

For more information on this event, or to become a member of the NAA visit: http://www.nationalalgaeassociation.com.

Contact:

National Algae Association
Barry Cohen, 936-321-1125
info(at)nationalalgaeassociation.com
www.nationalalgaeassociation.com

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae to Be Showcased at National Algae Association Conference October 23-24 in Houston  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

This month (Sep 2008) algae as a fuel source made the news several times. Last week, Sapphire Energy announced it received $100 million to help reach its goal of making commercial amounts of algae fuel in three to five years. Investors included Bill Gates investment company, Cascade Investment, LLC. In June Sapphire received $50 million from investors.

At the beginning of the month, Arizona State University (ASU) announced its partnership with Heliae Development, LLC and Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) to develop a kerosene-based jet fuel derived from algae. Last year ASU researched using algae as jet fuel, in conjunction with UOP, a Honeywell company.

More from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae Biodiesel Space Getting Hotter  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Jes Sprouse quit his job to follow his dream. He became an algae farmer.

Sprouse, 35, grows the emerald slime in a 1-acre pond in eastern Prince George County, Virginia. Sprouse's vision might sound wacky at first, but he has the support of some of the state's top scientists and political leaders. Now, the 1-acre pond produces just a few ounces of diesel a day. But Sprouse and Hatcher believe algae can eventually produce 3,000 to 5,000 gallons per acre per year.

Read more from this article

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae Farmers Starts Making Biodiesel!  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Genetically manipulating algae for fuel

Genetic manipulation of algae, one of the hottest avenues, is rife with both possibility and controversy. Engineered strains could be highly efficient and tailored to produce specific substances. But like other genetically modified (GM) species, if they aren’t contained, they pose a threat to their surroundings.

“You could destroy a whole ecosystem,” says David Bayless, a researcher at Ohio University. But GM strains are at risk from natural algae as well, and companies working with engineered algae have incentive to keep them in enclosed tanks. “If you’re going to all the trouble of genetically engineering an organism, you don’t want a competing strain to come in there and take over,” says Bayless. “So I don’t see much of an option other than closed systems.

Read the full article from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - GM Algae for Fuel  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Scientists searching for the best hydrogen-producing bacteria to become a new energy source have sequenced the genome of one particularly promising type of blue-green algae. This organism performs two operations at once – it produces both hydrogen and ethanol, and one particular chromosome identified in it could turn out to be extremely important for producing biofuels. But to harness its hydrogen and ethanol-producing capabilities requires knowing lots more about this organism’s biology.

This particular type of cyanobacteria has two cycles – during the day the cells perform photosynthesis, and during the night they switch gears to process nitrogen. They’ve found one key component, a linear chromosome, that the researchers believe is critical to the algae’s ability to perform this complicated switching maneuver. Linear chromosomes are extremely rare in bacteria, because usually they are almost exclusively found in more complex creatures, like plants and animals.

Full report from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Cyanobacteria genes make hydrogen and ethanol  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Graeme Sweeney, Shell’s head of future fuels, is under no illusions about the imminent commercial viability of oil from algae.

“The timetable for achieving that is about 2015 or so for significant production,” he says. “We are looking at five to 10 years or so.”

Source article

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Shell Says Algae Fuel to be Viable Only by 2015  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Florida-based Algenol Biofuels Inc. announced Sept. 15 the appointment of two new employees. Greg Schlicht has been named senior vice president of business development and general counsel, while Dax Denman will serve as senior program manger.

Founded in 2006, Algenol has developed a technology using algae to produce ethanol. The technology, trademarked as Direct to Ethanol, produces industrial-scale low cost ethanol using algae, sunlight, carbon dioxide and seawater. Each algae cell used in the process is like a tiny ethanol factory. Sugar is produced through photosynthesis and immediately converted into ethanol. The algae grow in 500 gallon sealed containers. Ethanol produced by the algae evaporates into the head space of the container and is then collected and purified.

More from here



By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algenol hires Schlicht, Denman; to build Mexico facility  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

Seattle, Sep 18, 2008 - The 2008 Algae Biomass Summit announced that Vinod Khosla, a nationally recognized clean technology investor and Managing Partner of Khosla Ventures will be the keynote speaker at the event, which takes place October 22-24 in Seattle. The Algae Biomass Summit, sponsored by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and The Byrne Company, is the official conference of the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO). The event is designed to highlight scientific advances and encourage knowledge sharing to accelerate the development of algae-based solutions to global energy, environmental, and economic issues.

Khosla was selected to speak at the Algae Biomass Summit due to his extensive experience in funding and advocating for clean technology companies. His venture company Khosla Ventures has invested millions in clean technology start-ups in sectors including next generation fuels (Gevo, KiOR, Amyris, LS9), fuel-efficiency technologies (Transonic Combustion, Ecomotors), solar technology (Ausra), carbon sequestration (Calera) and in other sectors.

"Vinod is one of the pre-eminent visionaries in clean technology," said Darrin Morgan, ABO Co-Chairman and the Director of Business Analysis, Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "His passion to see these new technologies succeed is surpassed only by his deep financial commitments."

Khosla's success has been recognized nationally as he was listed on Vanity Fair's 2008 Sphere of Influence List and ranked in Forbes 400. Prior to starting his company, Khosla was a co-founder of Sun Microsystems and a partner with Kleiner Perkins Kaufield and Byers.

In addition to announcing Khosla's participation, the ABO also posted the conference agenda, which features dozens of presentations from national and international technologists, producers, scientists, investors, and policy-makers. During the course of the event, these leaders and the hundreds of attendees will discuss issues of critical importance to the emerging algae industry, including the commercial viability of algae production, current government and private initiatives, evolving technologies, processing concepts, and venture and project finance.

About the ABO

The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and advocate for the development of commercially-viable transportation and power generation fuels as well as other non-energy applications for algae biomass. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algalbiomass.org

SOURCE: Algal Biomass Organization

Scoville PR for ABO
John Williams, 206-625-0075
jwilliams@scovillepr.com

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae Biomass Summit 2008 - Vinod Khosla to Keynote  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

The recent creation of AXI, LLC is an alliance between Allied Minds, Inc. a seed investment company and the University of Washington. The alliance came about because of Professor Rose Ann Cattolico PhD, an algae-to-fuel expert. Professor Cattolico has been on the faculty and conducting algae research since 1975. Her research includes, chloroplast genome architecture and gene function in non-chlorophy b containing algae and functional genetic diversity within stramenopile population. Professor Cattolico has discovered a unique patented technology, she calls Algae X.

The technology will be utilized in the development and creation of various algae species targeted to high yield per acre and high levels of usable alternative oil for heating and fuel. All algae is not equal in terms of creating an alternative to fossil fuels or reliance on foreign oil supplies. Algae X meets the threshold criteria and goes one better. It appears to have no adverse effect on food supply economics and it does not increase green house gas emissions.

More from here

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - Algae X : Patented Tech to Develop High Yielding Algae Strains  0 Comments Links to this post

You are at: Oilgae Blog.

A Research Paper that Says GreenFuel Method to produce Oil from Algae will Work Only at Oil @ $800 per barrel

This is a paper by a researcher Krassan Dimitrov which essentially says algal oil methods, as proposed by the industry pioneer GreenFuel Technologies of the USA, simply is not cost-effective.

This report shows that GreenFuel’s method will not be economically feasible, even if the company achieves spectacular progress in development of its technology. Fundamental thermodynamic constrains make it impossible for such approach to be commercially viable for fuel prices below $800/bbl, even if flawless technological implementation is assumed. Since other technologies offer alternative options at substantially lower costs, GreenFuel’s approach cannot be expected to have a significant place in our future energy supply or carbon mitigation strategy.

Full report here (PDF) - written in Mar 2007

By the way, have you subscribed to the Oilgae Blog?; How about joining the Oilgae mailing list?; and our forum to discuss on with others?

PermaLink - GreenFuel Tech for Oil from Algae not Viable Until Oil Price of 800$ per Barrel  0 Comments Links to this post