Fill 'er up - with algae As reported by www.chemistrytimes.com 10/10/09, 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 at North Carolina State University are working to make that a reality, with a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
NRDC Report - Cultivating Clean Energy, The Promise of Algae Biofuels As reported by www.nrdc.org 10/07/09, A growing number of entrepreneurs, investors, academics and policy makers are working to make algae-derived gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel a reality. The economic, national security, and environmental costs of our dependence on oil become more clear every day. If developed sustainably, the algae biofuel industry may be able to provide large quantities of biofuels with potentially minimal environmental impacts.
APS gets $70 mil grant to study carbon emissions As reported by www.algaenews.blogspot.com 9/23/09, Arizona Public Service Co. will get $70.5 million in stimulus funding to study ways to cut carbon-dioxide emissions from coal power plants that contribute to global warming, the Energy Department said Tuesday.
Salt-loving algae could be key for biofuels development as reported by www.eurekalert.org 9/14/09, salt-loving algae could be the key to the successful development of biofuels and being an efficient means of recycling atmospheric carbon dioxide, said professor John Cushman of the University of Nevada. The current major limitation of biofuel production is the lack of adequate feedstocks, soybeans and corn, for biodiesel and ethanol production, respectively. Halophytic (salt-loving) micro-algae can be grown on marginal lands with brackish or salt water unsuitable for traditional agriculture. Their growth is non-seasonal, making them 10-30 times more productive than terrestrial crops.
W2 Energy to sell algae bioreactor this month as reported by www.biomassmagazine.com 9/01/09, green energy equipment firm W2 Energy Inc. expects to have its patented algae bioreactor up and running in Guelph, Ontario, in mid-September, according to CEO Mike McLaren. The Sunfilter bioreactor will grow algae to produce bio-oil for biofuels and will be used to sequester carbon dioxide from the company�s waste-to-energy processes. McLaren said W2�s strategy is joint venture instead of equipment sales. W2 also developed a 4-ton municipal-solid-waste system that was not sold as planned because the buyer�s funds were not adequate.
Algae biodiesel sees growth as reported by www.edition.cnn.com 8/27/09, the use of algae for producing biofuels has increased. Last month ExxonMobil, which has been publicly skeptical of other biofuels in the past, invested up to $600 million into a collaborative R&D program with Synthetic Genomics. One environmental advantage of algae over other biofuel sources is it doesn�t have to be grown in places that can otherwise serve for food production or endangered species habitat. But algae fuel is not environmentally perfect because it still creates pollution when burned, like regular fuel.
SGT finds lipid trigger for green algae as reported by www.biomassmagazine.com 8/25/09, Sustainable Green Technologies (SGT) said it has found the �lipid trigger� allowing for increased production of green algae oil for biodiesel production. The secret ingredient is the waste stream from the company�s patented biohydrogen-producing bioreactor. SGT�s scientists were looking for ways to use the waste stream when they discovered it sparked algae growth and increased lipid production and storage when combined with green algae in a bioreactor. SGT is in discussions with potential partners, including a 3 MMgy biodiesel plant and a golf course interested in finding green uses for the algae in its ponds.
Exxon to Invest Millions to Make Fuel From Algae as reported by www.nytimes.com 8/13/09, On Tuesday, Exxon plans to announce an investment of $600 million in producing liquid transportation fuels from algae � organisms in water that range from pond scum to seaweed. The biofuel effort involves a partnership with Synthetic Genomics, a biotechnology company founded by the genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter.
DARPA converts french fry grease to JP8 as reported by www.machinerylubrication.com 7/05/09, U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is exploring ways to convert french fry grease or plant-based �cellulosic and algae sources� into JP8 jet fuel. The goal, explained Barbara McQuiston, director of the Strategic Technology Office and program manager for biofuels, is to come up with non-petroleum sources to power military vehicles. Two side benefits, she said, will be lower fuel costs and fewer environmentally unfriendly carbon emissions. The DARPA biofuels program is looking into petroleum alternatives like algae, seeds and corn husks.
Study explores microalgae use to produce biofuels as reported by www.environmental-expert.com 5/12/09, French study explores ways to maximize the potential of using microalgae to produce biofuels. Using microalgae as a source of biofuels could mean that enormous cultures of algae are grown for commercial production, which would require large quantities of fertilizers. While microalgae are estimated to be capable of producing 10-20 times more biodiesel than rapeseed, they need 55 to 111 times more nitrogen fertilizer. The results suggest that if the lipid content of the microalgae is less than 40%, more overall energy would be recovered if just methane is produced directly from the algae, without first extracting the lipids.
Algae-based biofuels are underway as reported by www.marinebusinessnews.com 5/11/09, advances in algae-based biofuels are underway. According to renewable energy consultant Thomas Byrne, total private investment in the algae industry has been over $500 million. The sugars in algae can be fermented to make ethanol, but the emphasis so far has been on making biodiesel from oils produced by algae. With all its environmental advantages, algae biodiesel is too expensive right now, costing three times that of other biodiesels.
Algae holds promise for biofuels production as reported by www.midwestagnet.com 4/13/09, certain algae species are being considered as a source of raw material for future biofuels production, said Lance Schideman, a professor at the University of Missouri. Schideman said advantages for algae include prolific growth rates and high oil contents. An alternative method to produce biofuel from algae is called thermo-chemical conversion, a process that transforms organic compounds in a heated and pressurized enclosure to produce a biocrude oil.
Chemists develop �first economic process� for algae biodiesel as reported by www.sciencedaily.com 4/08/09, chemists have developed what they termed the first economical, eco-friendly process to convert algae oil into biodiesel fuel. The study was presented recently at the 237th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. The researchers say their process is at least 40% cheaper than that of others now being used. Another benefit from the process to create algae biodiesel, chemists add, is that there is no wastewater produced to cause pollution.
Onondaga Community College launches algae biodiesel project as reported by www.Syracuse.com 4/03/09, the Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York has launched an algae-to-biofuel project. After one semester, the project produced 1.5 teaspoons. The project involves growing specific types of algae that have fat strands similar in length to gasoline and traditional fuel sources. A gallon of dried algae is said to leave behind one-third to one-half gallon of biodiesel.
Algae biodiesel plant to go commercial in 2009 as reported by www.pr-canada.net 4/03/09, the order for what is potentially the first commercial algae biodiesel plant should be signed later this year according to John Scott, chairman of Petroalgae. Scott said Petroalgae is in a position to supply a commercially-viable algae biodiesel plant that could produce between 4,000 to 9,000 gallons per acre. Petroalgae has developed a technology that can currently produce a little under 50 grams/square meter/day of algae.
Analyst predicts algae biodiesel to be mainstram by 2020 as reported by www.pr-canada.net 4/02/09, biofuels analyst Will Thurmond predicts the first large-scale algae production destined for the U.S. Department of Defense will begin in 2011 and the first commercial-scale algae biodiesel production will start the following year. Thurmond also expects algae to become a mainstream commodity for biodiesel, bio crude and ethanol by 2020.
PetroSun provides biodiesel for emissions studies as reported by www.pr-canada.net 3/09/09, PetroSun announced that it would provide five drums of B100 biodiesel derived from algae for three independent emissions studies being conducted by Carnegie Mellon, University of California, Los Angeles and NextEnergy. The five drums of biodiesel will be allocated from an initial run of approximately 80,000 gallons of algal oil for conversion into ASTM spec biodiesel.
PetroSun is converting catfish ponds to algae farms as reported by www.rockymounttelegram.com 3/09/09, PetroSun has been converting catfish ponds into algae farms to produce alternative fuel. Tom Konrad, a regulatory consultant for AltEnergyStocks.com, says PetroSun�s idea of harvesting algae in open ponds isn�t feasible, and enumerates a couple of challenges. Catfish growers are turning to algae farms for several reasons, including the rising cost of fish feed, fuel, and the influx of foreign fish into their market.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Facilities Under Research Worldwide as reported by www.renewableenergyworld.com 3/05/09, a carbon capture and storage (CCS) pilot facility called CATO in the Netherlands. CATO�s best part is it features a scrubber that purifies the flue gasses and creates a pure stream of CO2 that can be transported and used for a variety of applications or stored underground so that it won�t be released into the atmosphere. While not yet totally proven and only capturing a percentage of CO2, CCS systems are gaining strength under research, especially in Europe, the U. S., Canada, and Australia. However, many scientists have raised concerns about the unintended consequences of storing so much CO2 underground. If too much CO2 mixes with groundwater, it could make that water more acidic, thus eating into rocks and leaching chemicals into drinking water. Researchers are working to avoid this problem while noting that much of the CO2 is actually being sent to greenhouses to help grow vegetables and flowers. To continue working on CSS systems, researchers are trying to raise supporting revenue by partnering with growers, algae-to-biodiesel companies, or are considering using the gas to enhance production of existing oil fields.
New Plant Using New Technology for Biodiesel to Startup in Q2 2009 as reported by www.biofuels-news.com 3/04/09, SarTec expects its new production facility in Minnesota to begin operations in Q2 this year. Operating under the name Ever Cat Fuels, the facility will have a potential output of 3 million gallons per year (gpy). The company plans to use a new chemical process known as the Mcgyan Process which recycles the catalyst and alcohol necessary to make biodiesel, thereby reducing the reaction time from hours to seconds and not using water or chemicals. It will use a reactor that efficiently and economically coverts feedstock plant oils and animal fats to biodiesel. Algae is also being researched as a potential Mcgyan biodiesel feedstock.
EmTech 2009 Panelists Give Biofuels Views for the Future as reported by www.ciol.com 3/03/09, recent biofuels and electric car alternatives discussed at the recent EmTech 2009 conference. Biofuel- and electric-powered vehicles are the best alternative to fossil fuels for the atmosphere, with electric the cleaner but currently less convenient and viable option. The panelists recommended that for biofuels to be an overall good fossil fuels substitute, non-food and non-arable lands are needed to grow feedstocks. They also indicated that algae warrants serious attention for biodiesel production while ethanol will need engine modifications since the fuel is �highly corrosive.�
Hebrew University Holds Bioenergy Symposium for Global Applications as reported by www.greenprophet.com 3/02/09, the Otto Warburg Minerva Center for Agricultural Biotechnology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in cooperation with several other organizations, recently sponsored a symposium of global interest entitled, �Bioenergy: Harnessing Plant Metabolism�. Discussed was an examination of the various scientific and economic aspects of harnessing bioenergy, with U. S., German, and Irish experts on hand for the English-language presentations. Also presented were methods on the use of alternatives to food crops as efficient sources of biofuels, including poplar trees, desert crops and microalgae, as well as on the use of bioengineering to improve the use of new crops for biodiesel production. The article outlines how to get selected abstracts of the information presented at this symposium.
Cleaning the Environment Millions of Years Ago, Algae�s Benefits for New Cleanup Growing in Popularity as reported by www.timescolonist.com 2/25/09, algae�s environmental benefits, both historically and today with biodiesel production. The same algae from millions of years ago that helped clean the atmosphere, then sank and began producing crude oil, can be lifted and reproduced to yield biodiesel feedstock oil. This creates a net carbon neutral fuel and is predicted to be operational on wide commercial scale within a decade. Although there are hurdles yet to overcome, many countries and companies are testing the algae-derived fuels and looking into ways to cultivate various strains economically and quickly.
Virginia General Assembly Progress Report Addresses Biofuels and Other Renewable Energies as reported by www.hamptonroads.com 2/20/09, progress now that the mid-point of the general assembly has been reached. Among a multitude of issues is renewable energy. Various State Bills (1141, 1215, 1216, 1248, 1349, 1350) would give incentives for wind, solar, and electric energy efficient developments. With respect to biofuels, House Bill 2001 would allow non-feedstock-based biofuels, such as that made from algae, to be eligible for a higher production incentive grant than standard feedstock-based biofuels, while State Bill 1146 would require state vehicles that run on diesel fuel to use fuel that contains a minimum of 2 percent biodiesel fuel with a cost-effectiveness clause.
Biofuels 101: A Complete Overview of Biofuels from Start to Finish as reported by www.energycurrent.com 2/09/09, the pros and cons of various biofuels, explaining differences to address the overall mixed reception of biofuels due to everything from perceptions of being wonderful to food-robbing. Starting with defining what biofuels really are, the article discusses the origins of modern biofuels and their natures and leads to biofuels use and properties today. First generation ethanol and biodiesel are outlined with benefits and risks, continuing through second-generation (cellulosic) fuels and into �next generation� (algae) biodiesel. The report provides a comprehensive overview for anyone interested in learning what could be described as �Biofuels 101?.
Sirona Fuels Negotiating Contracts With Plans to Grow Jatropha in Haiti as reported by www.greentechmedia.com 2/06/09, San Francisco-based Sirona Fuels is using negotiation tactics to ink fixed-price contracts with foreign Jatropha farmers, allowing the company to make biodiesel inexpensively. The company recently bought Blue Sky BioFuels, which previously used waste grease for biodiesel. The company will plant 2,000 acres of the non-food feedstock in Haiti as a pilot project with expected yield of 300 gallons of oil per acre, per year. These are likely lofty ambitions in the face of a crowded industry alongside better-funded companies. Potential issues that could arise include damages unrecoverable with overseas contract, as well as costs to ship from overseas weighing against the overall cost of production. When asked about other companies� approach to the anticipated wave of the biodiesel future, algae production, Sirona�s CEO defended his position, indicating that algae may be a nice thought, but Jatropha is the feedstock of today.
Japan Airlines Spotlights Camelina Jet Fuel as �More Efficient� than Jet-A Fuel as reported by www.ecoworldly.com 2/05/09, Japan Airlines became the first airline to successfully demonstrate camelina-based jet fuel this week, with efficiency better than Jet-A fuel. The jet fuel, derived from camelina, jatropha, and algae, could be in full-scale use within the next 3 to 5 years. U. S.-based Sustainable Oils, Inc. plans to produce between 100- and 200-million gallons of camelina biofuel within the next decade. Airline giant Boeing indicates that using biofuels in the industry could reduce the industry�s greenhouse emissions by 80 percent. Camelina is emerging as not only a good biofuel base, but also as potentially-healthy and inexpensive vegetable oil for human consumption and fish feed.
Watch: Algae as Feedstock Cheap, Easy, and Super �Green� for Biodiesel as reported by www.news.carjunky.com 2/05/09, vegetable-based biofuels, especially algae-based biodiesel, will soon be major players in the eco-friendly automobile world. Although hybrid �flex� vehicles are currently the most well-known green vehicles, those running on biofuels are quickly taking notice. Algae promises to be a big feedstock, producing almost 30 times more energy per acres than other feedstocks. Special algae farms are showing 100,000 gallons of oil can be squeezed from a single acre. Algae doesn�t require a lot of land space, is inexpensive to produce, and can thrive in water as bad as raw sewage. Keep an eye on algae; great things seem to lie ahead for biodiesel and algae together.
San Francisco to Host National Biodiesel Conference & Expo This Month as reported by www.biodieselmagazine.com 2/02/09, the upcoming Sixth Annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo to be held in very-green San Francisco this month. This is the largest biodiesel conference in the world. There will be collaboration, celebration of milestones, and discussion of problem issues and how to handle them as an industry. Feedstock shortages, algae research, waste-to-fuel brown grease, and new national policies are just some of the matters at hand.
Indonesia Pushes Non-food Crops for Ethanol and Biodiesel Production as reported by thejakartaglobe.com 1/28/09, the country�s efforts to use non-food feedstock for its biodiesel and ethanol production using jatropha, sweet sorghum, and algae because their hardiness reduces production expenses. These efforts also help preserve the country�s food supply and energy security. The country�s government is actively encouraging private industry interests to participate in these and other alternative energy production methods in order to reduce petroleum dependence.
South Australia Investigates Algae Feedstock Viability to Virtuallly Eliminate Canola Land Sprawl as reported by farmonline.com 1/27/09, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is aggressively researching the cultivation and processing of algae for biofuel development. An expert appointed to the staff indicates that the South Australia area could be a big player in what may be a global revolution of algae-derived biofuels as alternative to fossil fuels. While he admits there are challenges including technical practicality and economic feasibility, he also says the industry could be successful by offsetting production costs by simultaneously using the algae growth and cultivation process to dabble in nutraceuticals and providing waste water treatment. Additionally, seawater to grow algae only requires about 2 percent of the land space currently used for canola crops using freshwater to provide the same biodiesel yield.
Chinese Tallow Tree: Wild Nuisance or Great New Biodiesel Feedstock? as reported by biodieselmagazine.com 1/26/09, the Chinese tallow tree. It is said to be a potential algae-as-feedstock rival if yield reports of 1,000 gallons of oil per acre are true. Although it is known as an invasive nuisance tree, it does have potential for oil extraction from both its seeds and its woody biomass. In its native Asia, the tree is already used for a wide variety of product including everything from transfat-free shortening to silk dye. In America, though, it could pose big problems because of its invasiveness which is regulated by USDA�s Farm Bill, making it potentially unused unless changes in its presence and development are strong enough evidence to support its research and use. However, farmers contend that they know how to keep the crop under control while allowing it to be more productive on its current lands. Primarily found in the south and along the Gulf Coast, it is a hardy and tolerant tree with 45 to 60 percent oil yield from its seeds alone. In other countries, the tree is well-maintained and consistent; however, being wild in the U. S., its oil content and usefulness can vary greatly, making it potentially unreliable if harvested from wild growth. Overall, the tallow tree holds great promise in its oil-for-biodiesel content, so research is underway on how to use this plant to its fullest ability. Time will tell which view wins in this debated tree�s usefulness.
Kentucky Clean Fuels Conflict: Building Algae-to-Biodiesel While Coal-to-Natural Gas Facility Imminent as reported by kybiz.com 1/21/09, Eastern Kentucky University and California-based General Atomics have entered into a partnership that could provide the basis for a new and sustainable fuel production industry in Kentucky that could ultimately have a global impact. With the establishment of the University of Kentucky�s Center for Renewable and Alternative Fuel Technologies (CRAFT), researchers will examine the potential for a cellulose-derived biodiesel industry in the state which is based on algae research, benefitting both the biofuels industry and Kentucky agriculture. At the same time, ConocoPhillips and Peabody Energy have filed an air permit with the Commonwealth of Kentucky to site a state-of-the-art coal-to-natural-gas facility which will be called Kentucky NewGas. This state-of-the-art �mine-mouth� gasification project would use ConocoPhillips proprietary E-Gas technology to produce clean synthesis gas that is transformed into clean-burning natural gas and is said to meet regulatory environmental standards with low emissions. The state�s residence overwhelmingly support the use of their native coal as an energy source, but this seems to be a conflict with new biofuels standards soon to be mandated.
American and Irish Companies Collaborate to Grow Algae for Biodiesel and Ethanol Production as reported by ethanolproducer.com 1/20/09, Green Plain Renewable Energy Inc. has partnered with three other domestic and foreign countries to develop a pilot-scale algae production facility in Shenandoah, Iowa. The algae will be grown and used for production of biodiesel, ethanol, and animal feed. Size, scope, and production time line will be announced at a later date.
Airline Giants Form Biofuel Promotion Group, Launch Test Flight of Algae-powered Plane as reported by AllHeadlineNews.com 1/12/09, Continental Airlines conducted a test flight of an non-passengered Boeing 737-800 on January 7, 2009 using a new alternative fuel based on algae and Jatropha feedstocks, which are both non-food plants. The goal is to determine if the new fuel could be a future replacement for currently-used fossil fuels for airplane flights. A similar test is to be conducted by Air New Zealand on a 747 jetliner. Many aerospace companies are hoping that algae, a simple organism that comes in hundreds of strains that can be genetically modified, will one day fuel jet planes and replace diesel and gasoline in other transportation sectors. Transportation industry giants, including Boeing, have formed a trade group to help promote and biodiesel. The group, called The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), is speaking to Congress this week about the algae fuel�s potential.
Marine Plants, Including Algae and Kelp, Useable for Methane and Ethanol Production as reported by Biomass Magazine 1/02/09, algae, as well as other marine biomass such as kelp, could have important implications for energy production. A recent British report indicates that methane could potentially be produced from marine biomass. The methane could be used to generate electricity and heat, or used as compressed natural gas for transportation fuel. Because of its inherent lack of lignin and relatively small amount of cellulose, marine biomass could also be a promising feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production.
U. S. Military Funding Algae Research Projects for Military Fuel Use as reported by Greenbang 1/01/09, the U. S. military is funding algae research in San Diego. Two San Diego companies have won multi-million-dollar contracts to help the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) develop algae-based jet fuels for military use. DARPA is seeking an algae-based alternative to the JP-8 fuel used by the US Air Force with hopes that the fuel could eventually be used in Army vehicles. Science Applications International Corp. and General Atomics will conduct this research in affiliation with a number of other organizations. The research hopes to find a balance between drilling, conventional fuel use, and alternative fuels to ultimately save money and be more environmentally friendly. Both contracts will run through early to mid-2010.
Australian Group Researches Microalgae for Biofuel Production as reported by FarmOnline Stock Journal 12/30/08, $4 million in grant money has been given to fund a group of scientists� research into microalgae�s viability as a feedstock for biofuels and nutraceuticals. The research group includes participants who have already established second-generation microalgal biofuels. The project will utilize nutrient-rich saline water, carbon dioxide, and solar energy�all from natural or nearby resources. The combined research effort, if successful, will likely position South Australia to become an international leader in this type of research and development.
Continental to Launch First U.S. Biofueled Plane as reported by Cleveland.com 12/22/08, the website of The Plain Dealer newspaper, reports that America�s first algae and jatropha-derived biofuel-powered flight will be launched by Continental Airlines on January 7, 2009. The Boeing 737-800, taking off from Bush International Airport in Houston, will fly for 2 hours with 2 test pilots and an engineer, but no passengers. While just one engine will be powered by biofuel, it is expected that this historic flight will prove that biofuels can be used in airplanes without diminishing performance or safety.
Algae Research Attention on the Rise as reported by Green Inc. reports that 12/19/08, picking up, despite President Clinton�s administration�s budget cut eliminating algae research for alternative fuel production. The U.S. Department of Energy even recently hosted a workshop discussing how to accelerate the growth of algae. as reported by Green Inc.�s also includes a YouTube video explaning algae�s benefits. Although algae can currently be used to produce biodiesel at a cost of $10/gallon, the goal is to get it down to $1/gallon, providing a very inexpensive alternative fuel source. Algae is said to be better than ethanol for alternative fuel production because it leaves a lower environmental impact, is easy to grow, harvesting it also cleans up area wastewater facilities, and the biodiesel it produces can be transported in pipes, rather than ethanol�s requirement to be transported in trucks. The University of Texas currently has an algae research facility in place.
PetroSun Hoping to Get Algae from Catfish Farms as reported by Greenbang.com 12/01/08, PetroSun BioFuels hopes to use algae at catfish farms to produce biodiesel. The company proposed this new program to the Mississippi Biomass Council in order to lease surface rights to algae in the ponds.
DOE Gives Grant for Algae Biodiesel Research as reported by AGWEEK 11/27/08, U.S. DOE recent gave a $900,000 grant to Montana State and Utah State Universities to conduct a three-year study on algae-to-biodiesel production. The researchers will focus on identifying algal oil that is 30-50% oil by weight.
Algae Fuel Research Gets Vast Funding as reported by KVAL.com 11/17/08, approximately $180 million has been raised this year for algae fuel research. Some universities already have algae research facilities and a few start-up companies have algae test projects planned over the next few months.
Culturing Solutions has New Algae Technology as reported by Biodiesel Magazine 11/13/08, Culturing Solutions Inc. created a new lipid extraction technology to be used on algae. The technology uses a violent reaction to rupture the cell walls of algae and then a centrifuge that separates oil, water, and biomass. All water in the oil is removed which allows it to move immediately into biodiesel production.
UOP and Aquaflow Sign Algae Biofuels MOU as reported by Biodiesel Magazine 11/13/08, UOP LLC and Aquaflow Bionomic Corp. signed an MOU to make biofuels from wild algae. Aquaflow announced it has produced the first green-crude in the world this past September.
BioCentric Energy Announces New Algae Projects as reported by Biodiesel Magazine 11/01/08, BioCentric Energy Inc. announced the details of its five proposed projects for the next three years. The projects will involve using algae as biodiesel feedstock, as an electricity generator, and as an emissions absorption agent.
UT Researchers to Develop Algae Biofuel as reported by Statesman.com 10/28/08, researchers at the University of Texas are working on developing biofuel from algae. The researchers are hoping to be awarded a Department of Defense research project to create a new fuel alternative for jet airplanes. The federal government is offering a minimum of $50 million on the project.
Bill Gates Invests Big in Algae Biofuels 10/18/08, Bill Gates thinks algae is the best source of fuel in the future. Gates recently teamed up with the Rockefeller family and the Wellcome Trust to put $100 million in Sapphire Energy for algae biofuel production. Sapphire plans to produce over 10,000 barrels of green crude oil during a period of at least three years.
Podcast: Rapid Growth in the Algae Market as reported by www.renewableenergyworld.com 10/15/08, a podcast about the rapid growth in the algae biofuel market. The podcast discusses the capital companies are raising for algae biofuel, high demand for algae, and methods for growing and harvesting. The podcast also discusses the need for proper risk management practices in renewable energy production.
EU Funding Algae Biofuel Projects as reported by www.climatechangecorp.com 10/14/08, Solazyme Inc. announced it produce the first algae-based jet fuel in the world. The Southwest Research Institute tested Solazyme’s fuel and it passed the eleven ASTM D1655 specifications for aviation turbine fuel.
10/14/08, Greentech Media conducted a biofuels survey with 249 participants The company found that 40% of participants believe algae biodiesel has “the greatest potential to transform the fuel industry.” Another report found that algae technology and cellulosic ethanol technology has helped capitalists give $150 million in biofuel funding during this quarter.
Ararat City Council Testing Algae for Biodiesel as reported by www.ararat.yourguide.com 9/4/08, Ararat Rural City Council will begin testing algae growth to produce biodiesel. The trial will hopefully lead to a new biodiesel plant to be built in Ararat. The tests will involve six ponds at NMIT which are 30 square meters each. The ponds will contain different algae varieties found in local bodies of water.
XL Renewables Growing Algae for Sale as reported by www.hpj.com 8/19/08, Michael Bellefeuille, a farmer and researcher from Casa Grande, tests algae samples for XL Renewables Inc. The company is growing algae to make animal feed, biodiesel, and food oils. XL initially wanted to build a biodiesel refinery, but when financing was unavailable, the company shifted its focus to simply growing algae and selling it to people who will make final products.
Saline County Offers Funds for EcoAlgae Facility as reported by www.marshallnews.com 8/5/08, EcoAlgae USA signed a Saline County Missouri commission resolution to build a commercial algae production plant and an integrated biorefinery complex. Saline County approved $141 million in industrial development revenue bonds to provide financing for the project.

Iowa State Considering Algae Bioreactor Project as reported by www.marshallnews.com 8/3/08, Saline County Commission passed a resolution of intent for issuing industrial development bonds to fund a commercial algae production plant at an integrated biorefinery complex. Green Star Products chose Saline County for many reasons including the county’s friendliness. The first oil production is expected to begin next spring or summer.
Iowa State Considering Algae Bioreactor Project as reported by www.zwire.com 7/27/08, Iowa state is considering Maharishi University of Management’s proposal for creating an algae bioreactor. Texas company Valcent is partnering for the project which will examine the potential of using a university bioreactor to produce the algae and eventually biodiesel. Maharishi University hopes to expand the project to use a quarter acre greenhouse for the algae.
Iowa Power Fund Reviews Funding for Algae Biodiesel Project as reported by www.GazetteOnline.com 7/10/08, Iowa Power Fund is reviewing funding for the the first algae biodiesel project in the state. Green Plains Renewable Energy plans to use waste water, waste carbon dioxide, and waste dryer heat to produce the algae that would be harvested into biodiesel. The Power Fund authorized a $2,190,407 grant from the state for the first phase of the project.
KSU Researchers Receive Grant for Algae Biodiesel Studies as reported by www.newswise.com 7/8/08, researchers from Kansas State University earned a $98,560 grant for exploratory research on solid carriers for producing algae biofuels from the National Science Foundation. The researchers Zhijian Pei and Wenqiao Yuan are planning to find algae attributes and properties of materials that help algae grow on solid carriers.
Minnesota Increasing Biodiesel Blending Mandates as reported by www.sustainablebusiness.com 6/11/08, Minnesota has new legislation to increase biodiesel blending over a seven-year period. A 5% target is set for May 2009, a 10% target is set for May 2012, and a 20% target is set for May 2015. The new laws are also promoting algae, waste oil, and tallow for biofuel research and asks for 5% of biodiesel supply to be made from non-traditional feedstocks.
Green Star Has New Algae Growth Booster as reported by www.earthtimes.org 6/9/08, Green Star Products, Inc., announced it figured out how to drastically increase the growth rate for some microalgae strands. Green Star plans to make the Montana micronutrient booster (MMB) available all over the world. There are also plans to offer samples for research, test, university, and commercial plants to test the MMB if they will share their results.
Green Star Releases Algae Biodiesel Demonstration Report as reported by Biz.yahoo.com 5/14/08, Green Star Products released a new public report on its ‘07-’08 algae biodiesel demonstration plant. Green Star’s facility is one of the largest in the world. The report on GreenStarUSA.com shows problems and solutions found during the demo project.
WMU is Studying Waste-to-Fuel Production as reported by www.wzzm13.com 4/17/08, three researchers from Wester Michigan University are studying grease-to-biodiesel production and plan to look at algae-to-ethanol production next. The professors are waiting on a $984,000 U.S. DOE grant to help support their research on creating energy from waste.
Oregon State University Working on Algae Biodiesel Technology as reported by www.hpj.com 4/08/08, researchers at Oregon State University are working on an efficient process for algae-to-biodiesel production. An assistant professor of biological and ecological engineering who is associated with the project said the technology to mass-produce algae biodiesel could not be ready for 5-10 years, but the result will be worth the wait.
GreenFuel and Xconomy Agree on Algae Biodiesel Plant as reported by CNET News.com 4/03/08, GreenFuel Technologies made a deal with Xconomy to build an algae biodiesel plant in Europe. GreenFuel has a bioreactor that grows algae from CO2 emissions at power plants. GreenFuel is running a test plant with the utility Arizona Public Service Company.
Green Star President Discussing Algae Biodiesel and Cellulosic Ethanol as reported by www.newsobserver.com 3/08/08, Joseph LaStella, President of Green Star Products, will present the new report, “Algae to Biodiesel and Cellulosic Ethanol” during the Big Sky Coalition Biofuel Symposium. One key point of the report is that agricultural crops like soy and corn are only capable of producing about 1oo gallons of oil per acre in one year. Microalgae, however can produce 4,000 gallons per acre.
Congress Must Support Sustainable Biofuels as reported by www.biodieselmagazine.com 3/07/08, fears of global warming, peak oil, geopolitical instability, and crude oil instability have forced governments to set up renewable energy alternatives on the fly. In order to be successful, Congress must support sustained incentives for biofuel producers, fund sustainable feedstock research and development, provide grants and loan guarantees to stabilize biofuel industry growth, and market incentives to fuel suppliers to add biodiesel distribution infrastructure. Efforts to identify and develop more sustainable feedstocks (e.g., algae, jatropha, etc.) show great promise but require time and the application of resources to become available.
Are Switchgrass and Algae the Best Biofuel Sources? as reported by www.londontopic.ca 3/4/08, switchgrass and algae have the potential to be the biggest sources for fuel in the future. A recent study from the journal Proceedings found that switchgrass can produce 500% more renewable energy than what is required to grow and process it. In order for biofuels to be successful, producers must consider the geographic location and social/environmental factors.
Two Studies Showing Biofuels That Remove Forests and Grasslands to Plant Corn or Palm Oil Crops Increase Greenhouse Gases as reported by www.tgdaily.com 2/23/08, Science magazine published two studies that claim biofuels increase greenhouse gases in earth’s atmosphere. The research shows that removing forests and grasslands to plant corn or palm oil crops may increase the CO2 levels by 50% in the next thirty years. Actually, This artical mentions nothing about algae biofuels. Our algae is grown in photo bioreactors above the ground. Our system does not compete with soy, corn or palm oil crops and consumes twice as much co2.
Inventure Chemical Completes 20 Biofuel Studies as reported by ethanolproducer.com 2/13/08, Inventure Chemical completed 20 biofuel feasibility studies in the last quarter of 2007. The studies identified the best yield and lowest cost of second-generation feedstocks for the biofuel conversion process. Fourteen of the 20 studies involved companies that are growing algae.
Chemists, Utilities, Fuel Companies Research Algae-to-Biodiesel as reported by www.miller-mccune.com 2/12/08, fuel companies, chemists, public utilities, and venture capitalists are researching algae as a potential economical biofuel that is good for the enviroment. Microalgae have oil content as much as 80% in dry weight, and they prefer sunny conditions such as deserts or non competing agricultural land. Microalgae feed off carbon dioxide that can be captured from coal plant emission.
ODU Having Success with Algae Biodiesel Project as reported by www.hamptonroads.com 1/30/08, ODU experiment on turning sewage into algae-based biodiesel is flourishing
Xcel Energy Gives $150K to University for Renewable Energy Projects as reported by www.ur.umn.edu 1/29/08
Montana Microbiologist Making Biodiesel From Brown Algae as reported by www.ccnmag.com 1/22/08, The same brown algae that cover rocks and cause anglers to slip while fly fishing contain oil that can be turned into diesel fuel, says a Montana State University microbiologist.
University of Minnesota Lab Studying Algae Biodiesel as reported by www.TechNewsWorld.com 12/31/07, The green slime that grows on the surfaces of lakes and ponds could be used as a renewable source of oil, researchers say. Currently, scientists are working on ways to reduce the cost of processing algae for use as energy. One added benefit: As it grows, algae gobbles up certain pollutants and treats sewage. The DoD is particularly interested in the possibilities.
Green Star Products Promotes Algae-to-Biodiesel Video, GreenStarUSA.com. as reported by www.PR-inside.com 12/12/07
Chevron and US DOE NREL to Study Algae-to-Biodiesel Study as reported by www.grainnet.com 12/05/07
Imperium Renewables Execs Talk Algae Biodiesel in Article as reported by www.seattlepi.nwsource.com 12/03/07
Chevron and Energy Dept. to Make Algae-Based Biofuel as reported by www.money.cnn.com 11/09/07

CSIR Planning Algae-to-Biodiesel Process as reported by www.engineeringnews.co.za 11/05/07

AlgaeLink NV Announces New Photobioreactor Systems for Algae as reported by www.mmdnewswire.com 10/30/07

LiveFuels Alliance to Sp0nsor Millions of Gallons of Algae Biocrude Production as reported by www.Inhabitat.com 10/23/07

Scientists at NM State University Developing Algae for Biodiesel Production as reported by www.lcsun-news.com 10/09/07

European Commission to Require Biofuel Standards as reported by www.worldchanging.com 09/12/07

Study Shows US Ethanol Producers Will Fail Without Gov’t Support as reported by www.hemscott.org 09/12/07

Boeing Opens Up to Alternative Fuel Options - "Instead of needing all of Florida [for U.S. transport needs], you could provide the whole world's fleet with biojet fuel if you had a bioreactor the size of Maryland," Daggett said. as reported by www.seattletimes.nwsource.com 09/06/07

What's Happening in the Biodiesel from Algae Sector? as reported by www.renewableenergyaccess.com 09/04/07

Arizona Companies Team to Produce Biodiesel from Algae as reported by www.ktar.com 08/31/07

EuroInvestor.co.uk - GLOBAL INVESTMENT UPDATE: Algae BioFuels ... as reported by www.euroinvestor.co.uk 09/02/07

Diversified Energy & XL Renewables Testing New Algae Technology as reported by www.renewableenergyaccess.com 08/31/07

AlgaeLink Offering Algae-to-Biodiesel Class as reported by www.mmdnewswire.com August 22, 2007

Green Star Products Finishes Algae-to-Biodiesel Demonstration Facility as reported by www.businesswire.com July 30, 2007

Companies Creating Aviation Fuel Made from Wild Algae as reported by www.stuff.co.nz July 24, 2007

Company Tests Algae-to-Biofuels in Kansas as reported by www.checkbiotech.com July 22, 2007

Honeywell’s UOP Wins US Military Bio Jet Fuel Contract as reported by www.flightglobal.com July 11, 2007

PetroSun Announces Biofuel Actions for Second Half of 2007/a> as reported by www.marketwirecanada.com June 26, 2007

BHP Billiton Commits $300 M to Cut Energy Use and Emissions as reported by www.resourceinvestor.com June 20, 2007

Solix to Make Biodiesel from Algae in Plastic Bags as reported by www.popsci.com June 20, 2007

PetroSun Planning Algae-to-Biodiesel Demonstration as reported by www.grainnet.com June 14, 2007

PetroSun Inc. Begins Operation at Biodiesel Plant in Alabama as reported by new.marketwire.com June 2, 2007

Congressmen Tour Biodiesel Facility in Woodlands, TX as reported by abclocal.go.com May 30, 2007

Infinifuel Biodiesl Opening New Biodiesel Plant in Wabuska, Nebraska as reported by www.nevadaappeal.com May 13, 2007

Fuel:Bio Opens 50MMgy Biodiesel Facility in NJ as reported by www.grainnet.com May 7, 2007

PetroSun Gives Algae-to-Biofuel Technology to Australian Subsidiary as reported by www.sys-con.com April 16, 2007

Companies Put Funding Into Algae-Based Petroleum as reported by news.com.com March 9, 2007

Algae Biofuels to Run Algae Cultivation Trials in Alabama as reported by www.biofuelreview.com February 19, 2007

Aquaflow Bionomic Releases Prospectus to Develop Algae-Based Biodiesel as reported by www.scoop.co.nz January 22, 2007

USU Researches Biodiesel from Pond Scum as reported by www.ksl.com January 15, 2007

GreenFuel and IGV to Share Emissions-to-Biofuels Process as reported by home.businesswire.com January 15, 2007

Informative Algae Biodiesel report as reported by Michael Briggs