Algae Biofuels

BioProcess Algae Groundbreaking

2012-02-03T17:07:00.001-05:00

BioProcess Algae and Green Plains Renewable Energy Break Ground on Five Acre Production Facility

2012-02-03T16:57:00.001-05:00

BioProcess Algae LLC and Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. announced that they will start construction of BioProcess Algae's five acre production facility at Green Plains' ethanol plant in Shenandoah, Iowa. The project will be comprised of a combination of at scale Grower Harvester bioreactors and a plant to further dewater and process the algae into finished product. The horizontal reactors have been successfully running outdoors since the fall of 2011 and this marks the next step in the project to commercialize algae focused on markets for animal feed, fuel, omega-3 products and high-value nutraceuticals.

"After a successful rollout of the horizontal reactors at full commercial scale, we are eager to move forward with this project producing meaningful quantities of dried wholesale algae for use in products now," said Todd Becker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Plains. "This new phase will mark the successful transition to a larger footprint located adjacent to our Shenandoah, Iowa ethanol plant which will provide the basic inputs the bioreactors need: carbon dioxide, warm water and heat."

"Our technology has successfully brought algae directly into the sunlight using limited inputs while increasing growth rates," says Tim Burns, Chief Executive Officer of BioProcess Algae. "We continue to work with potential strategic customers including major food, animal feed, energy and pharmaceutical companies around the world," continued Burns. "Often times, this is the first access they have had to larger quantities of wholesale algae. Our goal is to produce algae in a cost effective manner that can be used as the customer sees fit."

BioProcess Algae Grower Harvester bioreactors located in Shenandoah, Iowa have been continually running since their Phase I launch in October 2009.

(Crossposted from American Fuels)

OriginOil to Collaborate with US Department of Energy to Develop Algae Feedstock Standard

2011-09-21T18:00:00.001-04:00

OriginOil, Inc. announced it will begin to work with the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory to develop standards for converting biomass, including algae, into biofuels and other products.

On August 23^rd and 24^th, Paul Reep participated as an algae industry representative in the Department of Energy's (DOE) Biomass Preconversion and Densification Workshop, held at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

Invited participants from both private and public sectors were given progress updates from DOE's Office of Biomass Programs. One of the Program's main goals will be to develop feedstock standards and specifications for different formats of bio-energy materials. While the focus of the workshop was on terrestrial biomass, OriginOil plans to work with researchers at INL to extend the concepts to include algae.

The collaboration will include how algae can add energy content to other feedstocks such as woody and herbaceous materials, which are already being configured for biochemical and thermochemical upgrading for energy production. It is envisioned that once the correct formulation is established, the combined chemical and energy value of the whole formatted feedstock will be greater than the sum of individual parts.

Until now, the focus on algae has been on harvesting its oil products for drop-in biofuels. However, using the whole algae feedstock with its lipids still in the cell is more energy-efficient and helps centralize downstream processing.

"We are very excited to help establish a uniform intermediate feedstock standard for algae, a critical step toward helping algae producers and energy refiners to collaborate for biofuels production," said Paul Reep, OriginOil Senior Vice President of Technology.

As with John D. Rockefeller's creation of a "Standard Oil," specification standards are critical enabling steps for large-scale expansion of emerging industries. Once a standard for algae feedstock is agreed, it will provide industry direction to design equipment and products to meet that standard. OriginOil intends to work closely with algae industry organizations and producers to make this standard a reality.

Microalgae could be Texas' next big cash crop

2011-07-07T01:36:00.001-04:00

Just as corn and peanuts stunned the world decades ago with their then-newly discovered multi-beneficial uses and applications, Texas AgriLife Research scientists in Corpus Christi think microalgae holds even more promise.

"It's a huge, untapped source of fuel, food, feed, pharmaceuticals and even pollution-busters," said Dr. Carlos Fernandez, a crop physiologist at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Corpus Christi who is studying the physiological responses of microalgae to the environment.

There are an estimated 200,000 to 800,000 species of microalgae, microscopic algae that thrive in freshwater and marine systems, Fernandez said.

Of all those species, only 35,000 species have been described, he said.

"We're only starting to scratch the surface of discovering the natural secrets of microalgae and their many potential uses and benefits," he said. "But already it's obvious that farmers will one day soon be growing microalgae on marginal land that won't compete with fertile farmland. They won't even compete for fresh water to grow."

To understand how best to grow it, Fernandez constructed a microalgae physiology laboratory to study how it's affected by temperature, salinity, nutrients, light levels and carbon dioxide.

"We have four bioreactors in which we grow microalgae to determine the basic physiological responses that affect its growth," he said. "We will then integrate these responses into a simulator model, a tool we can use in the management of larger, outdoor systems."

In this study, different strains of microalgae will be evaluated for their capacity to produce large amounts of lipids, or fats, that can then be converted to produce and refine diesel and other biofuels, Fernandez said.

"Along with that, after extracting the lipids from the biomass of microalgae, there is a residue that we are going to analyze for its quality for use as feed for animals, including fish, shrimp or cattle."

Eventually, studies will evaluate the possibility of using the residue as a soil fertilizer.

"There are lots of other potential uses for the residue, but for now our focus is on feed and fertilizer," he said.

The microalgae study includes other researchers, Fernandez said.

"We've just started this work and we're working closely with the nearby Texas AgriLife Mariculture labs in Flour Bluff, under the direction of Dr. Tzachi Samocha, and the one in Port Aransas, under the direction of Dr. Addison Lawrence."

Studying microalgae in the Corpus Christi area is a natural fit for many reasons, Fernandez said.

"We have immediate access to seawater to grow microalgae," he said. "Because we're so close to the Gulf of Mexico, we've got lots of marginal land in the area where microalgae can be grown on a large scale. We have lower evaporation rates than in arid areas so water replacement is less.

"There are local power plants and oil refineries in the area that we can use as sources of carbon dioxide that helps microalgae grow while reducing CO2 pollutants. And we have a wealth of higher education institutions in the area with huge potentials to help in these studies, including Texas A&M at Corpus Christi, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Delmar College."

AgriLife Research at Corpus Christi has partnered with the Barney M. Davis Power Plant to conduct this and other studies.

"It's a natural gas-operated power plant that is an excellent source of carbon dioxide from its flue gasses that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by passing them through microalgae systems," he said.

There also is the potential to partner with the City of Corpus Christi, which has several municipal water treatment plants in the area that can be used as sources of nutrients to reduce the cost of applying them to microalgae systems, Fernandez said.

"Our center director, Dr. Juan Landivar, took a huge leadership role in moving these microalgae projects forward by seeking and obtaining federal and private funding, and by encouraging teamwork and multi-disciplinary personnel to work on this," Fernandez said.

Aurora Algae Advances Commercial Facility Construction, Achieves Major Project Facilitation Status

2011-06-22T15:34:00.001-04:00

Aurora Algae today announced it has awarded MWH and John Holland (JH) the initial engineering contract for design and construction of the Company’s commercial facility in Maitland, Western Australia. Having just secured over 1,500 acres of land near its recently opened demonstration facility in Karratha, this signifies a concrete advancement in the process of constructing the largest commercial scale photosynthetic algae facility in the world. Aurora Algae’s commercial facility will be equipped to manufacture thousands of tonnes of algae-based biomass annually for the production of sustainable products in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, aquaculture and renewable energy markets.

Concurrently, Aurora Algae has achieved Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status, a designation granted by the Hon. Anthony Albanese, Australia’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. Aurora Algae’s cutting-edge cleantech project has been recognized for its potential to help Australia take advantage of the global economic recovery as well as the commercial opportunities flowing from international efforts to cut carbon pollution. The MPF program is administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, and provides the project with a facilitation service to achieve quick and timely assistance from the Australian Government. Presently, there are 19 projects with MPF status across a range of industries, collectively representing a potential investment of over $120 billion.

“I’m happy to grant Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status to Aurora Algae Pty Ltd’s progressive cleantech project,” said Anthony Albanese, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Australia. “With the right support from government, Australia can become a world leader in renewable technologies such as Aurora Algae’s, with the real potential of creating tens of thousands of highly skilled ‘green’ collar jobs and new export opportunities.”

To initiate construction plans for the Maitland commercial facility, the Company chose MWH engineering firm, a global leader in wet infrastructure, and JH, the largest multidiscipline construction contracting business in Australia, to combine their expertise in the joint venture. The two companies have worked together on projects for over 30 years, with MWH as the lead designer on the $3.12 billion Panama Canal navigational locks construction (to be completed in 2014), onsite water management services for Rio Tinto, one of Australia’s biggest mining companies, and an industrial wastewater pre-treatment system for The Dannon Company. JH is currently delivering the Devil Creek Development Project, a $200 million onshore gas plant in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and has recently completed the Sydney Desalination Plant, Australia’s largest desalination plant, which uses reverse osmosis process technology to supply up to 15 percent of Sydney's total water supply. JH is also currently working in a joint venture to deliver the Hong Kong Sludge Treatment facility, a 2,000 metric tonnes per day waste treatment facility generating its own energy (to be completed in 2013).

“The John Holland team is excited to be working with Aurora Algae and MWH to deliver this commercial-scale new technology carbon reduction project that will have a positive benefit on the environment,” said Greg Taylor, general manager of John Holland’s Water and Enviro business.

“Aurora Algae is now the first global company to begin a commercial project for bioproduct and biofuel production based on photosynthetic marine microalgae,” said Greg Bafalis, CEO of Aurora Algae. “Awarding the initial engineering contract advances us one step closer to the commercialization of our revolutionary platform, and the ongoing support and validation from the Australian government, through achievements such as MPF status, is a key driver for our rapid progress.”

Navy Successfully Operates MH 60S Seahawk Helicopter On 50/50 Blend Of Algal Derived Jet Fuel

2011-06-20T12:23:00.001-04:00

Solazyme, Inc. announced today that the US Navy successfully demonstrated Solazyme’s 100% algal-derived jet fuel, Solajet®_HRJ-5, in an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter test flight in a 50/50 blend with petroleum-derived jet fuel. This marks the first military aircraft to fly on an algal-based jet fuel in history. This test flight preceded the historic announcement by ASTM International that it has preliminarily approved biofuel from algae and other renewable sources to be blended with traditional jet fuel on commercial flights worldwide, with formal approval expected sometime in July.

“We applaud ASTM International and the ATA and CAAFI for their efforts to advance the world’s newest and most sustainable fuels for aviation. The aviation industry has demonstrated a strong leadership position in fuel supply diversification and sustainability, and today’s announcement is a major step in its efforts to commercialize advanced low-carbon biofuels,” said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme.

“Solazyme is honored to be working with the US Navy and DLA-Energy in driving forward the testing and certification process for advanced biofuels. The successful flight demonstration of the Seahawk helicopter on a 50/50 blend of Solajet®_HRJ-5 and petroleum-derived jet fuel marks a significant milestone in this process, and reinforces the Navy’s commitment to securing our nation’s energy supply.”

Honeywell UOP was the refining partner on the jet fuel delivery, and has been working with Solazyme since 2009 on multiple contracts with the US military.

To date, Solazyme is the only company to provide the US Navy with microbially-derived advanced aviation and marine fuel. These advanced biofuels are drop-in replacements to petroleum-based fuel, requiring no modification to engines or military logistics infrastructure. The fuels also meet Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

(Crossposted from American Fuels)

PetroAlgae and Suriname Ministry of Natural Resources Sign Master Framework and Initial License Agreement to Begin Open Growth Bioreactor for Renewable Fuels and Protein

2011-06-15T22:58:00.001-04:00

PetroAlgae Inc. and its operating company PA LLC, a leading renewable energy company that licenses its commercial micro-crop technology globally, today announced that it has finalized a Master Framework and Initial License Agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources for the Republic of Suriname (Ministry), Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. (Staatsolie), and N.V. Verenigde Cultuur Maatschappijen (N.V. VCM) for the phased construction and operation of a commercial-scale, PetroAlgae farm for the production of renewable fuel and protein. Planning and funding for the initial phase is underway utilizing PetroAlgae’s micro-crop system and licensed technology.

Under the agreement, Staatsolie will serve as the lead coordinator for the Ministry, while N.V. VCM and Staatsolie will be responsible for construction and operation of the project. PetroAlgae will contribute the use and limited license to certain of its PA intellectual property and technology as well as supporting services and quality assurance.

“The Ministry is continuously evaluating clean renewable fuel and food production and is very pleased to be working with the PetroAlgae team, the Staatsolie organization and N.V. VCM on this important initiative,” said Mr. Jim Hok, Minister of Resources for the Ministry of Natural Resources for the Republic of Suriname. “We are very excited about the prospects of this partnership for building a new profitable industry that is consistent with maintaining our pristine environment and with our commitment to create green jobs in Suriname. We see this initiative with PetroAlgae as an example of Suriname's growing leadership position in the region.”

PetroAlgae’s micro-crop technology employs indigenous, non-algae, aquatic micro-crops suitable to local climates. It is designed to produce biomass at commercial scale and to enable its licensees to develop a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, as well as a high-value protein co-product, while absorbing carbon dioxide from greenhouse gas emissions.

“PetroAlgae is pleased to be partnering with the Suriname government, Staatsolie, and N.V. VCM as this represents a very strong team to license, build and operate a PetroAlgae production farm in Suriname,” said Dr. John Scott, Chairman of PetroAlgae. “We see tremendous opportunity for the clean production of renewable fuels as well as a new source of protein. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Staatsolie demonstrate a strong vision for the country as well as the region, and are not only highly diligent in their evaluation process but also efficient in their decision making process. Additionally, N.V. VCM has very strong operational and deployment competencies. We anticipate a highly productive relationship with the entire team.”

Solazyme Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

2011-05-27T00:35:00.001-04:00

Solazyme, Inc. today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 10,975,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $18.00 per share. Of the shares of common stock in the offering, Solazyme is offering 10,375,000 shares, and selling stockholders are offering 600,000 shares. In addition, Solazyme has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,646,250 shares of common stock, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. Solazyme will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Jefferies & Company, Inc. is acting as lead manager, and Pacific Crest Securities LLC and Lazard Capital Markets LLC are acting as co-managers. The shares will begin trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on May 27, 2011 under the ticker symbol “SZYM.”

Algal Biomass Organization Announces New Directors and Board Chair

2011-05-23T15:08:00.001-04:00

The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, today announced the election of its Board of Directors for the 2011-2013 term. The ABO also announced Mark Allen, a Senior Advisor to BioProcess Algae, as Chair of the Board of Directors. The Board includes three newly-elected directors and four directors who were re-elected.

The ABO was founded in 2008 to promote the development of commercial markets for renewable and sustainable products derived from algae. It works on behalf of the industry to deliver information to the public and governments on the industry's development, and to advocate for the improvement of Federal, state and local policies that would accelerate the commercialization and expanded use of algae-based products.

As part of its commitment to representing the entire algae industry, the ABO's Board is comprised of representatives from across the value chain, including academia, professional services, technology, project development and end-user markets. Newly elected to the ABO Board for the 2011-2013 term are:

Qiang Hu, Laboratory for Algae Research and Biotechnology, Arizona State University
Paul Woods, Algenol
Tim Zenk, Sapphire Energy

In addition, four board members were re-elected to an additional two-year term:

Harrison Dillon, Solazyme
Margaret McCormick, Targeted Growth, Inc.
John Pierce, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Ira "Ike" Levine, Aquatic Research Lab, University of Southern Maine

These new and re-elected Board members will join the ABO's current Board members:

Thomas Byrne, Byrne & Company, Ltd.
John Benemann, Benemann Associates
Keith Cooksey, Montana State University
Billy Glover, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Greg Mitchell, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Joel Murdock, FedEx
Herminia Rodriguez, University of Seville, Spain

"I congratulate our newly elected and re-elected members of the board, while also thanking those moving off the board for their hard work and service," said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Algal Biomass Organization. "Our organization relies heavily on the support and participation of the board, and collectively we've been able to help move the industry forward."

Cellana Receives $5.5 Million USDA and Doe Grant to Develop New Algae-Based Animal Feeds as Algal Biofuel Byproduct

2011-05-14T14:36:00.001-04:00

Cellana LLC, a leading developer of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts, has received a three-year $5.5 million grant to develop a protein supplement from algae as a byproduct of algal biofuels production and to demonstrate its nutritional and economic value in livestock feeds.

Funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Biomass Program through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative and will help increase the availability of alternative renewable fuels and biobased products to diversify the nation's energy resources. The award was made through a competitive selection process.

Cellana LLC, a subsidiary of Cellana, Inc. (formerly HR BioPetroleum, Inc.), will receive $5,521,173 for the project, titled "Developing a New Generation of Animal Feed Protein Supplements." Under this grant, Cornell University will be conducting large-scale animal feeding trials using algae biomass provided by Cellana to identify the most economical and efficacious strains of algae.

"Cellana is looking forward to providing affordable and nutritious food supplies from its production of marine microalgae. These bioproducts support Cellana's biorefinery business model and can help the livestock industry remain competitive in Hawaii and in other parts of the world," noted Martin Sabarsky, president and CEO of Cellana, Inc.

In addition to the new grant program, Cellana has programs with universities in the U.S. and Norway to test proteins from top candidate strains to replace fishmeal in aquaculture feed. Fishmeal protein, an increasingly unsustainable source of aquaculture feed, has reached its peak in global production and become expensive.

"Cellana is also looking forward to providing a commercially viable supply of renewable biofuel in Hawaii to help it meet its renewable energy goals. All critical elements of the company's algae cultivation technology have been demonstrated at our six-acre facility in Kona and will be incorporated at our proposed commercial plant in Maalaea, Maui. We are on track for this commercial deployment by 2014," Sabarsky added.

(Crossposted from American Fuels)

Solazyme and Bunge Sign JDA Partnership for Production of Renewable Triglyceride Oils

2011-05-08T14:03:00.001-04:00

Solazyme, Inc. announced last week a two-year joint development agreement (JDA) with Bunge Limited to develop microbe-derived oils utilizing Brazilian sugar cane feedstock. The agreement builds on Bunge’s earlier equity investment in Solazyme, and the letter of intent signed by both firms in December 2010 that contemplates a manufacturing joint venture for the production of tailored oils at Bunge’s sugar cane mills in Brazil.

Under the terms of the agreement, Solazyme will leverage its algal fermentation technology in combination with Bunge’s oil processing and milling capabilities to cost-effectively produce targeted triglyceride oils. Development will take place at Bunge’s facility in Moema, Brazil, and at Solazyme’s laboratories in South San Francisco and Campinas, Brazil.

To further align the incentives of both parties, the two companies also entered into a Warrant Agreement. This agreement issues a warrant to Bunge for shares of Solazyme that vests upon the successful completion of key milestones, ultimately targeting the construction of a commercial facility with 100,000 metric tons of output oil coming online in 2013.

Cellana's Kona Demonstration Facility and Patented Algae Production Process Showing Promising Results

2011-05-03T23:35:00.001-04:00

Cellana LLC is positioned to be the first algae company to ramp up to commercial deployment for a biofuel application in Hawaii. This commercial algae facility would also represent one of the first of its kind in the United States.

"Cellana's patented process for growing algae at industrial scale is showing promising results. With thousands of different strains already evaluated, we are growing algae strains capable of producing up to 60 tons of biomass containing 3,800 gallons of algal oil per acre per year," explained Martin Sabarsky, Cellana's chief executive officer.

"Cellana is now producing experimental quantities of up to a ton per month of Hawaiian strains of algae at our demonstration facility in Kona. We are testing these strains for numerous high-value applications, including fuel, animal feed, cosmetics, nutritional oils and industrial chemicals."

Cellana is working with the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts, the Department of Energy, as well as undisclosed potential corporate partners to evaluate significant quantities of biomass produced at its six-acre demonstration facility. Cellana has also contracted with universities in the U.S. and Norway to test proteins from top candidate strains to replace fishmeal in aquaculture feed with excellent results to date.

In addition, Sabarsky notes that in August 2010 Cellana added yet another U.S. patent to its growing portfolio of owned or in-licensed intellectual property, Patent No. 7,770,322, "Continuous-batch hybrid process for production of oil and other useful products from photosynthetic microbes." This patent is exclusively licensed to Cellana.

"The process protected by this patent is at the heart of Cellana's past and future success, as it provides a means of avoiding contamination while minimizing the high costs associated with enclosed culture systems and allows relatively low-cost open ponds to be used," Sabarsky explained. "Over $100 million has been invested to date in our Kona demonstration facility, our algae strains and the processes we use to grow, harvest and separate our algae biomass, which puts Cellana on a very short list of leading companies in the emerging algae-based biofuels and bioproducts industry."

For the past several years, Cellana LLC's parent company, Cellana, Inc., formerly known as HR BioPetroleum (HRBP), founded in Hawaii in 2004, has been evaluating sites in Hawaii to deploy a commercial-scale algae facility. In 2008, HRBP, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., Hawaiian Electric Company and Maui Electric Company, subsidiaries of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. signed memoranda of understanding to pursue joint development of a commercial algae facility on land adjacent to Maui Electric's Ma'alaea power plant. The proposed facility would use the carbon dioxide produced by the power plant to feed the algae, both reducing carbon emissions and the need for fossil fuel. In effect, the carbon dioxide produced from burning fuel for electricity would be consumed by oil-rich algae which, after harvest, could provide a biocrude or biodiesel replacement for the petroleum diesel used to power the plant as well as other valuable products.

"With world oil prices rising, and Hawaii's already high energy costs, Cellana is looking toward providing a commercially viable supply of renewable biofuel," noted Sabarsky. "It is a pioneering effort with tremendous potential, and we are now looking at 2014 for the construction and operation of this transformational facility on Maui."

"After initial field trials, we are also enthusiastic about the technical and economic viability of algal protein from our leading strains of algae for use as a fishmeal supplement to provide a valuable co-product," said Barry Raleigh, chairman of Cellana, Inc.'s board of directors and company co-founder.

"Fishmeal protein, which is an increasingly unsustainable source of aquaculture feed, has reached its peak in global production and has become very expensive. Algae protein as a fishmeal supplement looks as if it may provide an answer for the demands of the aquaculture industry and an excellent revenue stream for Cellana."

In initial trials using two candidate strains of Cellana's algae, fishmeal protein was replaced, in part, by algal protein. Farmed salmon, carp and shrimp consumed the replacement feed and then were compared with those fed the standard diet. Weight gain, feed conversion and protein efficiency were either unaffected or significantly improved by the use of the algal protein, when compared to the traditional fishmeal protein.

Salmon were unaffected when replacing five to 10 percent of the fishmeal with algal protein. In carp and shrimp, 25 to 40 percent replacement showed improvements in feed conversion efficiency, weight gain and an improved coloration in the harvested fish. Sabarsky said larger-scale trials are now in process.

Solutions for 'culture crashes' in algal production sought

2011-04-22T16:04:00.001-04:00

Algae can seem quite stubborn and hardy when trying to rid them from your pool, but when it comes to mass producing algal feedstock to be used in the conversion to biofuel, more things can happen to destroy this type of crop than most realize.

Of many culprit organisms that may result in the deterioration of algal culture performance and biomass yield, grazing zooplankton, or so called predators, often are responsible for frequent culture ‘crashes’ and loss of productivity altogether. Except for a few algal strains that can tolerate extreme growing environments that are deterrents to many contaminants, the hazard of predator contamination is so great that sustainable cultivation of many algal crops of economic interest – in particular, oil-producing algal strains on a large scale – has not been possible.

However, with a recent five-year $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Arizona State University scientist Qiang Hu and his research team are studying the factors involved with algal crop failure.

Hu, a professor in the College of Technology and Innovation and co-director of the Arizona Center for Algal Technology and Innovation (AzCATI)/Laboratory for Algae Research and Biotechnology (LARB), explains that the cost of crop failures could be in the multimillions of dollars to this emerging green industry if devastating grazing zooplankton have their way.

Zooplankton are microscopic animals that often are identified as amoebas, protozoans, ciliates and rotifers. All are predators on microscopic algae, which represent the base of the aquatic food chain.

“Without a detailed understanding of the factors influencing the occurrence, population dynamics, impact and control of zooplankton, it could potentially prevent algae from being a practical source of oil crops for production of bioenergy and bioproducts,” Hu said.

To study the zooplankton, Hu and his team will survey zooplankton contamination in commercial algal production systems, as well as in their own algae testbed facilities at ASU Polytechnic campus, where a number of production strains are cultivated in various types of culture systems all year round. Simultaneously, they will determine living and non-living influencers on zooplankton, aiming at developing an empirical model for assessment and prediction of potential impact of zooplankton contamination on overall algal culture stability and biomass production potential.

By introducing state-of-the-art bio-imaging and DNA fingerprinting techniques, they will develop a rapid, sensitive monitoring and an early warning system. In parallel, they will evaluate several innovative control measures, and ultimately develop a Best Management Practices Plan (BMPP) for prevention and treatment.

“The comprehensive BMPP will be the key to achieve sustainable production of algal feedstock, and thus enable successful commercialization of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts,” Hu said.

“Results from the research plan to be shared widely with the biotechnology community and the algal biofuels industry, through publications and conference presentations, as well as workshops and training courses provided by LARB and AzCATI,” said Milton Sommerfeld, professor and co-director of LARB and AzCATI.

Source : Arizona State University

PNNL Study Shows Algae Could Replace 17 Percent Of US Oil Imports

2011-04-15T21:53:00.001-04:00

High oil prices and environmental and economic security concerns have triggered interest in using algae-derived oils as an alternative to fossil fuels. But growing algae – or any other biofuel source – can require a lot of water.

However, a new study shows that being smart about where we grow algae can drastically reduce how much water is needed for algal biofuel. Growing algae for biofuel, while being water-wise, could also help meet congressionally mandated renewable fuel targets by replacing 17 percent of the nation's imported oil for transportation, according to a paper published in the journal Water Resources Research.

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that water use is much less if algae are grown in the U.S. regions that have the sunniest and most humid climates: the Gulf Coast, the Southeastern Seaboard and the Great Lakes.

"Algae has been a hot topic of biofuel discussions recently, but no one has taken such a detailed look at how much America could make – and how much water and land it would require – until now," said Mark Wigmosta, lead author and a PNNL hydrologist. "This research provides the groundwork and initial estimates needed to better inform renewable energy decisions."

Algal biofuel can be made by extracting and refining the oils, called lipids, that algae produce as they grow. Policy makers and researchers are interested in developing biofuels because they can create fewer overall greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels. And biofuels can be made here in the United States. In 2009, slightly more than half of the petroleum consumed by the U.S. was from foreign oil.

Wigmosta and his co-authors provide the first in-depth assessment of America's algal biofuel potential given available land and water. The study also estimated how much water would need to be replaced due to evaporation over 30 years. The team analyzed previously published data to determine how much algae can be grown in open, outdoor ponds of fresh water while using current technologies. Algae can also be grown in salt water and covered ponds. But the authors focused on open, freshwater ponds as a benchmark for this study. Much of today's commercial algae production is done in open ponds.

Crunching the numbers

First, the scientists developed a comprehensive national geographic information system database that evaluated topography, population, land use and other information about the contiguous United States. That database contained information spaced every 100 feet throughout the U.S., which is a much more detailed view than previous research. This data allowed them to identify available areas that are better suited for algae growth, such as those with flat land that isn't used for farming and isn't near cities or environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands or national parks.

Next, the researchers gathered 30 years of meteorological information. That helped them determine the amount of sunlight that algae could realistically photosynthesize and how warm the ponds would become. Combined with a mathematical model on how much typical algae could grow under those specific conditions, the weather data allowed Wigmosta and team to calculate the amount of algae that could realistically be produced hourly at each specific site.

Water for oil

The researchers found that 21 billion gallons of algal oil, equal to the 2022 advanced biofuels goal set out by the Energy Independence and Security Act, can be produced with American-grown algae. That's 17 percent of the petroleum that the U.S. imported in 2008 for transportation fuels, and it could be grown on land roughly the size of South Carolina. But the authors also found that 350 gallons of water per gallon of oil - or a quarter of what the country currently uses for irrigated agriculture – would be needed to produce that much algal biofuel.

The study also showed that up to 48 percent of the current transportation oil imports could be replaced with algae, though that higher production level would require significantly more water and land. So the authors focused their research on the U.S. regions that would use less water to grow algae, those with the nation's sunniest and most humid climates.

But the authors also found that algae's water use isn't that different from most other biofuel sources. While considering the gas efficiency of a standard light-utility vehicle, they estimated growing algae uses anywhere between 8.6 and 50.2 gallons of water per mile driven on algal biofuel. In comparison, data from previously published research indicated that corn ethanol can be made with less water, but showed a larger usage range: between 0.6 and 61.9 gallons of water per mile driven. Several factors – including the differing water needs of specific growing regions and the different assumptions and methods used by various researchers – cause the estimates to range greatly, they found.

Because conventional petroleum gas doesn't need to be grown like algae or corn, it doesn't need as much water. Previously published data indicated conventional gas uses between about 0.09 and 0.3 gallons of water per mile.

More to consider

Looking beyond freshwater, the authors noted algae has several advantages over other biofuel sources. For example, algae can produce more than 80 times more oil than corn per hectare a year. And unlike corn and soybeans, algae aren't a widespread food source that many people depend on for nutrition. As carbon dioxide-consuming organisms, algae are considered a carbon-neutral energy source. Algae can feed off carbon emissions from power plants, delaying the emissions' entry into the atmosphere. Algae also digest nitrogen and phosphorous, which are common water pollutants. That means algae can also grow in – and clean – municipal waste water.

"Water is an important consideration when choosing a biofuel source," Wigmosta said. "And so are many other factors. Algae could be part of the solution to the nation's energy puzzle - if we're smart about where we place growth ponds and the technical challenges to achieving commercial-scale algal biofuel production are met."

Next up for Wigmosta and his colleagues is to examine non-freshwater sources like salt water and waste water. They are also researching greenhouse ponds for use in colder climates, as well as economic considerations for algal biofuel production.

Green Plains Renewable Energy and BioProcess Algae to Host Agriculture Secretary Vilsack at Grand Opening of Phase II Grower Harvester Bioreactors

2011-04-15T00:18:00.001-04:00

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (GPRE) announced today that U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver the keynote address at the Grand Opening of Phase II of BioProcess Algae's Grower Harvester^TM bioreactors in Shenandoah, Iowa.

"We are honored to have Secretary Vilsack deliver the keynote address at this important event for BioProcess Algae and to see firsthand our bioreactor technology growing and harvesting algae," said Todd Becker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Plains Renewable Energy. "The next step for us is to take our commercial scale reactors and build out an algae farm at our ethanol plant in Shenandoah, which can produce inputs needed for feed, food and next generation algae-based fuels. The co-location at an ethanol plant has proven to be the right platform to rapidly commercialize this technology."

The grand opening will take place at 4:30 pm central daylight time on Friday April 15, 2011 at Green Plains' ethanol plant located at 4124 Airport Road, Shenandoah, Iowa.

(Crossposted from American Fuels)

Aurora Algae A2 Product Portfolio Equals Sustainable Nutrition, Energy and Aquaculture

2011-04-12T16:46:00.001-04:00

Aurora Algae today introduced the A2 product portfolio, a series of natural products derived from its proprietary algae platform. The A2 product portfolio is uniquely sustainable, scalable and flexible to address growing demand in the explosive nutrition, aquaculture, pharmaceutical and energy markets.

With the A2 product family, Aurora Algae positively addresses the food versus fuel argument surrounding the risks associated with redirecting farmland and crops for biofuels production to the detriment of the food supply on a global scale. Leveraging its photosynthetic algae platform, the Company can simultaneously produce a vegetarian food source and renewable biofuel products, year-round with a single crop. Combining its proprietary algae strains and production process, which uses arid land, seawater, sunlight and captured carbon pollution from industrial emitters, the Company is able to grow its algae in a more environmentally sustainable manner.

The portfolio is comprised of four “algae-to-product” (A2 product) categories:

A2 Omega-3™—a family of Omega-3 oils aimed at the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets with the goal of providing a natural, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to fish oil and fermented products. The first offering in this family, A2 EPA Pure™ will make the benefits of EPA available to a broader market since it is derived from an allergen-free, vegetarian source.
A2 Feed™—a family of protein-rich algal grains specifically designed for the animal and aquaculture markets to supply a high-quality feedstock to raise sustainably farmed fish and healthy animals.
A2 Fuel™—a family of biomass and biodiesel applications providing renewable alternatives for transportation and other energy-related markets.
A2 Protein™—a family of protein-rich powder products for the food and beverage industry.

Grown at the Company’s recently completed demonstration facility in Western Australia, approximately 15 tonnes per month of rich algal biomass is now available for customer evaluation.

“Leveraging our in-depth knowledge of these marine organisms, and our proprietary molecular genetic approaches, we have established non-GMO algae strains with drastically enhanced lipid profiles, yield and resilience,” said Dr. Bertrand Vick, chief science officer for Aurora Algae. “These innovations, combined with our optimized cultivation, harvesting and extraction technologies, have allowed us to quickly bring to market a sustainable, renewable portfolio of products.”

The algal oil and powder resulting from Aurora Algae’s process lend their best attributes to the four A2 product families, which are then distilled down into more distinct products. For example, within the A2 Omega-3 product family, Aurora Algae leverages the high percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in its biomass to produce a unique EPA product. The Company’s “crude” algal oil contains a concentration of 65 percent EPA, versus the industry standard of “crude” fish oil at 18 percent, which can then be sourced to create A2 EPA Pure.

“With A2 EPA Pure, we’ll make a significant contribution to the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, providing a new sustainable, continuous source of EPA in the highest natural concentration available to date,” said Leslie van der Meulen, vice president of business development for Aurora Algae. “The allergen-free, vegetarian sourced A2 EPA Pure will be a game changer. The unique properties and infinitely scalable nature of our algae platform will allow our customers to safely invest in the abundant application potential of EPA, knowing their supply is guaranteed.”

Aurora Algae’s proprietary algal platform, which was introduced late last year, is being cultivated at its demonstration facility in Karratha, Western Australia. The Company will hold a grand opening event at the facility on May 4. Aurora Algae strategic partners and customers are invited to attend the event to celebrate this advancement in high-tech farming.

W2 Begins Operation of the SunFilter 2 System With Nutraceutical Algae

2011-04-05T14:48:00.001-04:00

W2 Energy, Inc. is pleased to announce that on April 1 it began operating the first stage of the SunFilter 2 system filled with a special algae that creates a valuable vitamin as a by-product.

The SunFilter 2 is filled only with haematococcus pluvialis algae and fresh water. When grown and dried, 2-5% of haematococcus pluvialis algae are comprised of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant gaining popularity worldwide as a vitamin supplement.

Recent scientific findings indicate that astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and a free-radical scavenger that can aid essential biological functions, including protection from harmful ultra violet rays from the sun.

As current wholesale price for astaxanthin increases the haematococcus pluvialis algae with a concentration or 3-5% astaxanthin, each dried pound of algae would be worth $500.

"We are very excited about the connection between our technology and vitamin production," says Mike McLaren, President and CEO of W2 Energy. "Our energy production systems will make green energy and clean the environment, and the vitamin by-products will help make our bodies stronger."

Solix BioSystems Introduces for Sale the LumianTM AGS4000, a 4000 Liter Outdoor Algae Growth System for R&D and Inoculum Production

2011-03-29T20:30:00.001-04:00

Solix BioSystems today announced the availability for sale of the Lumian™ AGS4000, a 4000 liter, high productivity, integrated Algae Growth System (AGS™) that provides an outdoor growth environment for the evaluation of algal species or as a source of clean culture inoculum for larger growth systems. The Lumian AGS4000, which utilizes Solix's proprietary floating photobioreactor panels (Lumian panels), offers a unique solution for customers seeking a high productivity, reliable algae growth environment outside the laboratory.

"The Lumian AGS4000 is the first commercial launch of Solix's Lumian algae production systems. It is for customers interested in outdoor growth systems for R&D or to generate clean inoculum," said Joel Butler, Solix's Chief Executive Officer. "Its integrated design allows a customer to quickly establish an outdoor algae production system, taking advantage of Solix's experience in both system design as well as algae cultivation. In our AGS in Ft. Collins, Co., we have been able to continuously grow algae for 3 years now with no production failures and with peak growth rates of more than 3000 gallons of lipids per acre per year ( > 29,000 liters per hectare per year)."

Solix's proprietary Lumian panels combine extensive engineering design to optimize algae light exposure with biological know-how to maximize algae growth. Solix's unique combination of engineering and biology expertise has resulted in an algae growth system that is cost competitive, scalable and highly automated.

The Lumian AGS4000 includes:

A thermal basin with 20 Lumian panels plus inoculum expansion lane and includes a dual header delivery systems for separate CO₂ delivery to two independent sets of Lumian panels as well as the inoculum panels;
A complete integrated, compact support system for media preparation, harvest, reinjection and system cleaning;
A control system for programmable sparge gas timing, automated pH management and alarm notifications.

Customers can also opt for heating and cooling capabilities, dewatering and weather protection options. The equipment trailer can support up to six basins, if desired.

Solix Secures Additional Financing and Changes Name to Solix BioSystems

2011-03-28T11:10:00.001-04:00

Solix Biofuels today announced it has secured an excess of $16 million from inside investors as the first part of its Series B financing round. The new funding will drive the commercialization of Solix's industrial algae growth system, the AGS™, utilizing Solix's proprietary, high-productivity photobioreactors. Bohemian Ventures, The Southern Ute Alternative Energy Fund and I2BF Global Ventures have all participated in this financing. In conjunction with the financing, Solix is changing its name to Solix BioSystems to better reflect its role as a leading provider of algae production systems.

"This new round of financing from current investors demonstrates their continued excitement and support for our progress," said Joel Butler, Solix's Chief Executive Officer. "Solix is poised to launch its first commercial AGS product into the market. With our focus on providing customers with algae production systems, Solix BioSystems better reflects the Company's objectives."

(Crossposted from American Fuels)

VG Energy Contracts BioProcess Algae To Verify "Lipid Trigger" Results For Commercial Biofuels Production

2011-03-26T01:25:00.001-04:00

VG Energy, a subsidiary of Viral Genetics, Inc., announced today that it has retained alternative energy producer BioProcess Algae, LLC to verify lab results on a large scale for the development of commercial production of its potential biofuel process. VG Energy has developed proprietary technology, with results reproduced multiple times from test-tube to small-pond studies, which holds promise in producing algal biofuel on a commercial scale, at prices competitive with or better than current oil prices.

"VG Energy's technology has shown great promise as a viable and cost-effective additive for alternative energy sources," said Haig Keledjian, CEO of VG Energy and Viral Genetics. "We are thrilled to be working with BioProcess Algae to take the next steps and move from the laboratory to a viable production setting."

The agreement came together quickly and was facilitated by VG Energy SVP Monica Ord. "I have Richard Branson and Mike Willis from Virgin Green to thank for the introduction to Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) and BioProcess Algae," said Ord. "We have repeated our proof of principle research studies multiple times, internally and through Texas A&M, which have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the compound on a small scale. BioProcess Algae gives us the ability to move quickly into full autotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic scale-up studies, and we are excited to begin."

A process increasing lipid production in algae cells and considerably improving their rate of recyclability has been discovered by VG Energy and its lead researcher, Dr. M. Karen Newell Rogers, the Raleigh R. White, Jr. Endowed Professor of Surgical Research at Texas A&M Health Sciences Center and Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas. A recent report by biofuels expert John Sheehan models several current production techniques, with their productivity enhanced by VG Energy's process, with the results showing potential for a cost-effective energy source. A direct result of work undertaken by Dr. Newell Rogers for cancer treatment, this process, Metabolic Disruption Technology (MDT), appears to act as a long-sought lipid trigger to cause algae cells to store increased fat, making them more productive as an energy source. When the process was applied to algae cells in the lab, extractable lipid, or fat, production was increased by a minimum of 300%. Additionally, the process enables cells to release fats outside the cell walls, making much of the algae recyclable and increases its viability as an alternative energy source.

OriginOil Announces Breakthrough Innovation to Increase Algae Yield

2011-03-21T19:41:00.001-04:00

OriginOil, Inc. today announced Algae Screen, a process that keeps algae healthy and productive by selectively eliminating microscopic predators without the use of chemicals. The technology employs an electromagnetic pulse, similar to what is used to achieve Live Extraction. OriginOil will offer Algae Screen and Live Extraction in one integrated offering for growers.

"Much of our technology is based on the same underlying science, so it makes sense to create 'functionality hubs' to simplify field operations and create more value for producers," said OriginOil's CEO, Riggs Eckelberry. "We see much more integration activity as the algae industry matures."

The company recently filed for patent protection of the new Algae Screen technology, its twelfth patent application, entitled "Enhancing Algae Growth by Reducing Competing Microorganisms in a Growth Medium."

"All algae are targets for invasion. Oil-rich algae are particularly attractive to rotifers and other microscopic predators," said Paul Reep, Senior VP of Technology. "Algae Screen will protect an algae culture continuously from microscopic invaders, such as rotifers, bacteria, and ciliates. An additional unique benefit is that it integrates fully with Live Extraction, since it is based on similar technology."

Microscopic invaders, such as rotifers, reduce the value of the algae crop by metabolizing valuable oil and biomass. Additionally, invasions can choke off algae growth and reduce the percentage of daily harvest. The problem exists in all types of growth systems, but most acutely in open ponds.

Algae Screen targets invaders with calibrated pulses of low-power electromagnetic energy that leave the algae safe. The pulsing and power levels are adjustable for different algae types and environmental conditions such as water hardness and salinity. Together with Live Extraction, Algae Screen offers a safe and easily manageable resource for algae health and continuous harvesting.

PetroAlgae And Haldor Topsoe Partner To Develop Renewable Fuels From Biomass

2011-03-21T18:32:00.001-04:00

PetroAlgae Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Haldor Topsoe A/S and its U.S. subsidiary, Haldor Topsoe, Inc. to provide technology and catalysts to upgrade oils produced from PetroAlgae’s biomass through refinery coking processes and pyrolysis into drop-in renewable fuels, including diesel and jet fuels.

Haldor Topsoe is a leading global catalyst and technology company focused on the refining industry, petrochemical industry and the power industries. PetroAlgae’s micro-crop technology employs indigenous, aquatic micro-organisms suitable to local climates and is designed to enable its licensees to produce an alternative to fossil fuels as well as a high-value protein co-product, while absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to apply Haldor Topsoe catalysts, equipment, and licensed technology to upgrade oils derived from PetroAlgae’s biocrude.

“We are very excited to be working with Haldor Topsoe to further validate the commercial viability of our micro-crop biomass for use in refinery cokers and the production of a drop in renewable fuel,” said Dr. John Scott, Chairman of PetroAlgae. “They have extensive hydroprocessing research and development expertise from both a catalyst and a technology design standpoint and we see this agreement as just the beginning of a relationship that will help us realize the promise of our biomass as a clean and environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.”

“We look forward to taking this important step with PetroAlgae toward producing renewable fuels,” said Niels Sorensen Chief Executive Officer of Haldor Topsoe A/S “PetroAlgae is a leader in developing technology to produce biomass at a large commercial scale, which enables them to be cost competitive with traditional fossil fuels. Haldor Topsoe is committed to renewable fuels and we are excited about implementing projects that will help reach the goals set for renewable fuels all around the world.”

(Crossposted from American Fuels)

ALGAE.TEC OPENS ALTANTA ALGAE DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING CENTRE

2011-03-19T02:01:00.001-04:00

Algae.Tec Limited, an advanced biofuels company with a high-yield enclosed algae growth and harvesting system, the McConchie-Stroud System, announced today the opening of the Algae Development & Manufacturing Centre in Atlanta, Georgia where the photo-bioreactors will be assembled for shipping around the world.

The company also announced it had appointed the Bank of New York Mellon to commence the establishment of a Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Program.

Algae.Tec Executive Chairman Roger Stroud said the ADR Program would give USA energy and cleantech investors access to shares in the company, which is in a high growth phase establishing facilities in Australia and Asia.

US-based Algae.Tec COO Earl McConchie was in Australia in February to select the site for the demonstration plant at The Manildra Group’s ethanol facility at Nowra south of Sydney, the largest ethanol producer in Australia.

The Algae.Tec solution is less than one tenth the land footprint as pond growth options, while its enclosed module system is designed to produce algae biomass in virtually any environment on the planet.

The Algae Development & Manufacturing Centre in Atlanta is an 18,200 square foot fabrication facility.

“The Centre is currently being modified to enable the retrofitting process of the 40-foot steel shipping container algae growth modules, ready for the first module delivery to the Centre in April,” said Stroud.

“The photo-bioreactors which are at the heart of the McConchie-Stroud algae production technology are designed to produce valuable sustainable biofuels including biodiesel and green jet biofuels.”

“The technology also captures carbon pollution from power stations and manufacturing facilities which feed into the algae growth system.”

“It is very positive for the economy, the environment, and the sustainable fuel industry.”

The enclosed modular system is designed to deliver the highest yield of algae per hectare, and solves the problem of food-producing land being turned over for biofuel production.

World Health Energy Holdings, Inc. Signs a Third Letter of Intent to Construct a 250 Acre Commercial Algae Farm

2011-03-15T11:07:00.001-04:00

World Health Energy Holdings, Inc. announced today that the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, GNE-India, has signed a letter of intent with Dr. B Shivalingaiah from SHK Energy Projects Private Limited via a joint venture to build a 250-acre commercial algae farm in Karnataka, India to produce fish feed and Algal Oil. The initial project will consist of a 2.5 acre algae farm utilizing the GB3000, an Algae Enhancement Technology used for the efficient production of rapidly growing algae. The company will inform shareholders of the projected completion date of the algae farm after the signing of the joint venture agreement.

The letter of intent is in addition to the initial projects announced with Prakash Anthony in November of this past year and with David Lobo in January of this year. Similar to today's announced LOI, the agreement with Anthony involves a joint venture to install a 250 acre commercial farm on premises located in the Ramanagara District of Karnataka, India for the production of algae to produce fish feed and Algal Oil. The second LOI is with David Lobo from Deejay Coconut Farm PVT via a joint venture to build a 250-acre commercial algae farm in Bangalore, India.

Dr. B Shivalingaiah, after completing his Ph.D in Hamilton, Canada, served as a professor in P.E.S. College of Engineering Mandya (PESCE Mandya). Two years later, he began working for the Karnataka State government where he worked in various prestigious positions such as Member Secretary, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Bangalore, Chairman, KSPCB, Bangalore and Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy, Bangalore. He is currently managing director of SHK Energy Projects Pvt Ltd.

World Health Energy Holdings, Inc. recently acquired GNE-India, an algae technology company with the distribution and licensing rights to a unique and innovative system to grow algae quickly and efficiently for energy and food protein. GNE-India owns and retains the territorial rights for distribution and sales of the proprietary technology to both India and Sri Lanka.

Jeremy Werblowsky, CFO of World Health Energy Holdings, said, "World Health Energy looks forward to working with such a prestigious professor such as Dr. B Shivalingaiah. Given his extensive experience working in various sectors of state government, World Health Energy is confident on its prospects for algae production in 2011 once the joint venture agreement is signed and GNE-India and Dr. B Shivalingaiah begin working together."

World Health Energy Holdings, Inc. has formulated a business plan focused on biofuels produced from algae, which boasts substantially higher yields in comparison to ethanol derived from corn, rapeseed, jatropha and palm oil. The company also works with visionary enterprises in the multi-billion dollar renewable energy arena producing progressive, broad-based solutions for better physical, nutritional and environmental health worldwide. In addition, the company is pursuing an ancillary use of algae -- the efficient production of high protein fish feed for commercial fish farms.

OriginOil Moving from Development to Commercialization

2011-03-14T17:28:00.001-04:00

OriginOil, Inc. announced today its shift from the development phase to the commercialization phase and has recruited a career veteran of technology projects to fast-track the commercialization process.

“OriginOil will continue to innovate, it’s in our DNA,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. “Meanwhile, a number of our technologies have matured to the point where we need to focus on fast-track commercialization.

“This includes seeking independent validations, combining with other systems in the process chain, aggressively developing our intellectual property, signing distribution partnerships, and the many other activities involved in commercialization of a new technology.”

To support this new focus, veteran technology executive Paul Reep has accepted the position of Senior Vice President of Technology, as well as a seat on OriginOil’s Board of Directors.

Effective immediately, Mr. Reep will implement the fast-track commercialization process he has successfully demonstrated throughout his career. During his most recent assignment at the University of Southern California’s Stevens Institute for Innovation, Mr. Reep managed as many as 200 technology cases at one time.

In addition, Mr. Reep has a proven ability to facilitate government and private sector partnerships, including a major multi-agency technology transfer initiative with the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The result of this work is still ongoing at the Department of Energy, where bio-energy is a key mission area.

Behind these accomplishments is a lifetime of engineering experience as a senior manager in the Department of Energy and at the Illinois Power Company, Mountain States Energy, Inc., Atomics International (Rockwell) and Lockheed Development Center.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the OriginOil technical team in what is sure to be an amazingly productive time for the company,” Reep said.