Hybrid algae, seawater, CO2 and advanced tech 8
Algenol Biofuels executives have spent decades developing commercial methods for producing ethanol.
Now, thanks in part to a $10 million investment from Lee County, the Fort Myers-based firm will be able to conduct more research in a new 40,000-square foot facility. The plant is scheduled to open Oct. 19.
Algenol produces ethanol directly from carbon dioxide and seawater using hybrid algae, sunlight, and a healthy dose of advanced technology. The company has been refining its methods since it was founded in 2006.
Algenol opens a new R & D plant !!
In 2008, the Business Review reported on a $70 million investment made by Algenol?s partners into their own business.
The company will celebrate the grand opening of its new facility at 16121 Lee Road tomorrow at noon.
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Tue October 19 2010 07:30:34 AM by Richard
Algenol | Paul woods | CEO Paul woods
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Algenol Biofuels Inc. celebrated the opening of its new state-of-the-art biofuels and green chemistry lab and R&D facility today in Fort Myers, Fla.
The 40,000 square-foot facility houses an advanced algae biology, engineering, carbon dioxide (CO2) and green chemistry laboratory, as part of the larger Lee Integrated Biorefinery. The facility was made possible with a $10 million incentive grant from the Lee County Board of Commissioners.
Speakers at the ribbon cutting event included U.S. Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), Lee County Commission Chairwoman Tammy Hall, Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah and Algenol Founder and Chief Executive Officer Paul Woods.
"Today is a remarkable milestone in our quest to bring algae-based biofuels and bio-based chemicals to commercialization.
With the opening of our new biofuels and green chemistry facility, we aim to make Florida a hub for green, clean technology innovation that will create jobs, lessen our dependence on foreign oil and reduce carbon pollution," said Woods. "Our efforts would not have been possible without our talented and dedicated staff and without our partnership with Lee County.
We are thankful for the extraordinary efforts of Commission Chairwoman Tammy Hall, Commissioner Ray Judah, and the late Commissioner Bob Janes," said Woods.
Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) said: "I'm so pleased to welcome Algenol Biofuels research facility to Southwest Florida. This company is a terrific example of how private enterprise can lead the way in alternative energy development. By working together, we can diversify our nation's energy needs and strengthen our economy. This is a win for Southwest Florida and our state."
Lee County Commission Chairwoman Tammy Hall said: "Algenol will be the catalyst that will jump start Lee County's green economy. With a coordinated effort, we will make Florida the national leader of next-generation biofuels. Our vision is not small R & D facilities, but large commercial-scale clean energy production operations bringing new jobs to Lee County and putting Floridians back to work."
Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah said: "Lee County and Algenol are exerting bold and visionary leadership in bringing the brightest minds and algae-to-ethanol technology together to ensure long term economic prosperity and a healthy environment."
The facility will house Algenol's advanced biology and engineering laboratories and operations. An adjoining 4-acre outdoor R&D area and 36-acre outdoor commercialization area will hold the company's proprietary photobioreactors?the containers that generate ethanol from algae, saltwater and CO2 using Algenol's patented Direct to Ethanol? technology. In addition to producing low-cost ethanol, Algenol is beginning to work on related projects, such as using its ethanol and other green chemicals as a replacement for petroleum in plastic and chemical building blocks. Furthermore, Algenol has formed a partnership with a local university, Florida Gulf Coast University, to assist in establishing programs for students interested in pursuing careers in the green chemistry and biofuels industries.
Algenol Biofuels, Inc. is a privately owned company founded in 2006. It recently made a series of announcements including the award of a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, in concert with its partner on the Integrated Biorefinery project, The Dow Chemical Company. Algenol also announced a partnership with The Linde Group to develop CO2 capture and management technologies to increase biofuel production from algae, and a joint development agreement with Valero Services, Inc.
Algenol today possesses the most advanced third generation biofuel technology in the United States. Algenol makes low cost ethanol directly from CO2 and seawater using hybrid algae in sealed, clear plastic photobioreactors through its unique, patented Direct to Ethanol? technology?all powered by the sun. For more information about Algenol Biofuels, please visit www.algenolbiofuels.com.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/algenol-biofuels-opens-state-of-the-art-labs-in-lee-county-florida-105267278.html
The company has collected more than 100,000 species of algae. The goal is to identify and produce the strongest and the most adaptable algae.
In growing rooms, the lighting can be simulated for any region on earth, and there?s the ability to adjust the temperature, starting at 45 degrees and going up to 115 degrees.
Enzymes are added to the algae to make them grow faster, turning each cell into an "ethanol production machine," Woods said.
In the new building, there are six highly specialized, brightly lit growing rooms. They are packed with test tubes that contain a bubbling green liquid. The darker the liquid, the more algae there is inside the tube.
"The whole process is driven by light," said Craig Smith, the company?s executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Once the hybrid algae is produced in the test tubes it can be put into the company's proprietary photobioreactor, which spurs photosynthesis and creates ethanol.
more http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/oct/19/green-bio-fuel-company-unveils-south-lee-county-la/
The facility will house Algenol's advanced biology and engineering laboratories and operations.
An adjoining 4-acre outdoor R&D area and 36-acre outdoor commercialization area will hold the company's proprietary photobioreactors?the containers that generate ethanol from algae, saltwater and CO2 using Algenol's patented Direct to Ethanol? technology.
In addition to producing low-cost ethanol, Algenol is beginning to work on related projects, such as using its ethanol and other green chemicals as a replacement for petroleum in plastic and chemical building blocks.
Furthermore, Algenol has formed a partnership with a local university, Florida Gulf Coast University, to assist in establishing programs for students interested in pursuing careers in the green chemistry and biofuels industries.
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/10/19/3115604/algenol-biofuels-opens-state-of.html
4 acre R & D !!
'We can grow our own energy and we can consume greenhouse gases,' Woods said. 'We can change the course of the world.' said Paul Woods says this article.
http://www.news-press.com/article/20101020/BUSINESS/10200379/Algenol-to-change-SW-Fla-the-world
http://www.brighterenergy.org/18020/news/bioenergy/algae-biofuels-research-center-opens-in-florida/
An article re Algenols R & D centre from Domesticfuel.
http://domesticfuel.com/2010/10/20/algenol-opens-new-rd-algae-lab/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: DomesticFuel (Domestic Fuel)