Archive for the ‘Algae Biofuel’ Category

CABC (Consortium for Algal Biofuels Commercialization), SABC

(Sustainable Algal Biofuels Consortium, and Cellana, LLC

Consortium just received a large grant of twenty four million

dollars from the federal government in algae fuel research. Each

group has been designated specific tasks to tackle the obstacles

laid forth by algae’s ability to yield energy.
CABC, led by the University of California will focus on

developing algae as a hearty biofuel feedstock. Most of their

assignment will include the following:
• Investigating new ways to protect algae crops from

contamination and predation
• Algal Nutrient usage and recycling
• Developing genetic tools
They will be working closely with seven companies including

Sapphire Energy, General Atomics, and Sempra Energy, who are

also providing three million to finance research and

development.
SABC, led by Arizona State University, will pay close attention

to testing acceptability of these new biofuels as substitutes

for petroleum based fuels. Some of their duties will be to:
• Investigate biochemical conversion of algae to fuels
• Analyze properties of algal fuels and intermediates
Lastly, Cellana, led by Cellana (Shell and HR BioPetroleum) will

look at large scale production of feed and fuels from microalgae

matured in seawater. Their tasks will include the following:
• The assimilation of new harvest technologies with

“pilot-scale cultivation test beds”
• Development of marine microalgae as animal nourishment

for the industry of aquaculture
CABC will receive approximately nine million from the DOE, while

SABC and Cellana will get the remaining fifteen. Funding for

such research began back during the Jimmy Carter period, where

the former president invested nearly twenty five million into

algae fuel research. Funding and research was shelved

momentarily during the Clinton Administration, but has since

returned, with many fortune 500 (i.e. – Exon

Mobile) pouring money into R&D.
Despite the hault in algae fuel funding, Former President

Clinton along with close confidant Doug Band,

continues to invest into reducing the U.S. carbon footprint.

With alternative energy efforts like this, and that of the Fed

and Exon, we’re still on track towards optimum sustainability.
Jack Lundee – “Follower of all things green and progressive”

Author: Jack Lundee

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South San Francisco’s Solazyme has made good on its promise to deliver 1500 gallons of algae-based jet fuel to the U.S. Navy.

Will military jets like this F-18 Super Hornet soon be flying on algal fuel?

Looks that way, one of these days. And actually, aviation biofuels soon could be coming to an aircraft near you.

All the deets:

Solazyme Delivers 100% Algal-Derived Renewable Jet Fuel to U.S. Navy

Biotechnology Company Showcases Solajet(TM) HRJ-5 Jet Fuel at the World-famous Farnborough International Air Show in UK

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 18  — Solazyme, Inc. is helping the U.S. military move  closer to powering its planes, ships, tanks and trucks on renewable fuel and has delivered of 1,500 gallons of 100% algae-based jet fuel for the U.S. Navy’s testing and certification program. The U.S. Navy has previously announced the objective to operate at least 50% of its fleet on clean, renewable fuel by 2020, and the delivery fulfills a contract awarded to Solazyme by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in September 2009.

Solazyme, a renewable oil and green bioproducts company and leader in algal biotechnology, manufactured the world’s first 100% algal-based jet fuel through its proprietary fermentation process in collaboration with renewable jet fuel processing technology from Honeywell’s UOP.  Solazyme’s renewable Solajet(TM)HRJ-5 is designed to meet all of the requirements for Naval renewable aviation fuel. In preliminary tests, it also meets the fuel requirements of the U.S. Air Force and meets the standards for commercial jet fuel.

“It has been an honor to work with both the Navy and DESC/DLA to provide the first microbial derived advanced biojet fuel that will aid the military’s transition away from fossil fuel and toward more secure, renewable and reliable sources,” said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme. “The military has recognized the national security imperative of creating alternative energy solutions, and this project reflects their leadership and vision in supporting new ways to power our Department of Defense.”

Solazyme’s algal fuel technology will help the DoD reduce its carbon footprint, minimize reliance on foreign oil, combat global climate change and pioneer the development of clean and renewable energy sources for national energy security.

Verified through external lifecycle analyses, Solazyme’s fuels provide an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.  Prior to delivery to the Navy, the fuel was tested by an independent testing laboratory, and met all of the Navy’s 19 rigorous requirements for renewable hydrotreated jet fuel.  In addition, the fuel meets the proposed ASTM D 7566 specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels containing synthesized hydrocarbons, which is a critical milestone for providing fuels not only for the military, but also for the civilian market.

About Solazyme:

Solazyme, Inc. is a renewable oil and bioproducts company and the leader in algal biotechnology. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in South San Francisco, Solazyme’s unique technology enables the production of oil and biomaterials in standard fermentation facilities quickly, efficiently and at large scale. These oils and biomaterials are tailored to be drop-in replacements for fossil fuel and plant oils, which are feedstocks for a diverse range of products ranging from fuels and chemicals to personal care products.  Solazyme’s products offer compelling solutions to the increasingly complex challenges of fuel scarcity, energy security and environmental impact. These products fit seamlessly into the pre-existing multi-trillion dollar fuel infrastructure. Solazyme’s investors among others include Braemar Energy Ventures, Harris & Harris Group, Lightspeed VenturePartners, The Roda Group, and VantagePoint Venture Partners. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.solazyme.com/.

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Fuel costs are rising again around the world. Scientist and algae entrepreneurs have discovered solutions that will ease the pain at fuel pumps around the world. Alternative algae fuels provide the ready solution to meet world fuel demand.

Go Algae Green 4 Green!

1. Algae Fuel Cost

Algae Fuel production costs are lower than ever, and algae is the viable solution the world has been searching for. Alternative solutions that can be produced in the $2-3 dollars a gallon range are now in high demand as a replacement for petroleum based fuel.

2. Making Algae Bio-diesel at Home

People have looked at making algae biodiesel at home as an easy alternative to petroleum based fuel. This is no longer the case, making algae Biodiesel at home is now much easier with the available kits that can be purchased online. Residential algae Biodiesel kits and commercial algae production systems are now widely available. Companies such as www.70centsagallon.com offer a variety of options to meet the budget and needs of all algae entrepreneurs.

3. Algae Fuel Uses

Algae Entrepreneurs are now making algae fuel as both a liquid fuel and dry fuel. The fuels can power everything from diesel generators to Jet Turbine engines. These technologies have gained the attention of government agencies such as DARPA & NREL. The new presidential administration supports renewable energy and our hope is that green energy fuel producers will continue to grow and prosper.

Algae based biomass fuels offer multiple solutions to serve the needs of the world. Fuel prices and the need for national security for our nation’s military have forced algae innovations and research of the technology. Problem algae sources or artificial PBR systems can be used to produce the raw algae to produce these fuels. Call your congressman and tell them you want algae fuel. The algae generation will make the difference in the next fuel technologies developed and used around the world for a cleaner greener planet for us all.

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Making Algae Biodiesel at Home

Making algae biodiesel at home is simple but let’s get real! Based on the calls we receive at the office I wanted to clear up a few items for you, why you ask? The public seems to have the idea that all algae farms can be set up in a back yard operation and generate 110,000 gallons per acre of algae oil based biodiesel “True Story” and that is just not true. Our commercial algae photo bioreactor is capable of 25,000 gallons per acre per year of algal biofuel production. The second item I want to clear up is the cost to generate 110,000 gallons of fuel. Our 1 acre system is over 1million dollars, and that is more than the back yard hobbyist usually wants to spend. Not to say the backyard hobbyist cannot grow algae to produce algae biodiesel, but to say let’s be realistic in our approach.

One of the simplest algae photo bioreactors (PBR) I have seen utilized a food grade liquid container supplemented with artificial lights, nutrients and Co2 and it is very effective, but that system is a long way from producing 110,000 gallons of algae biomass fuel. Next after you get the algae grown to maturity, what will be your harvesting method? Will you simply dewater the algae cake or will you use a solar dryer? How will you extract the algal lipids? Sonification, hexane extraction or cold pressing? But all of this is possible when making algae biodiesel at home you just need to work out the details. At www.Algae-Book.com David Sieg offers a 3 book Algae Farming course on the matter and even shows you how to make your own algae photo bioreactors at home. So to all algae entrepreneurs and algae enthusiast, I wish you luck and wanted to let you in on a few of the conversations my office has daily. Success!

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As the folks who are making the next generation of ethanol made their pitch to Congress (see Cindy’s post from earlier), the people who are producing biodiesel from what could be the next great feedstock, algae, reminded members of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research not to forget about their truly green fuel.

Mary Rosenthal with the Algal Biomass Association told the representatives that despite some good progress for the algae biodiesel industry in recent years (not to mention the potential it holds), many of today’s federal biofuel policies simply ignore the role algae could play, limiting opportunities for funding and regulatory acceptance. She says she just wants a fair shake from the government:

Key to algae’s success in the fuels market will be ensuring:

1. Financial parity – Algae must receive the same tax incentives, subsidies and other financial benefits allowed to other first and second generation renewable fuels such as biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol.
2. Market parity – The federal renewable fuel standard will, for the foreseeable future, drive the U.S. market for renewable fuels. The current law focuses on corn ethanol in the near term and cellulosic ethanol over the long term. Algae based biofuels should be treated the same as cellulosic biofuels.
3. Regulatory parity – Algae must be recognized under the same regulations governing other traditional feedstocks, as an effective carbon reduction strategy and as safe for commercial production.
4. Appropriate treatment under federal climate change regulation – Algae production facilities can use CO2 from power plants and other emission sources to grow algae. This process can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Put a price on carbon that will send the right signals to the finacial sector, green energy companies and others to support the commercialization of the algae industry.
5. Provide support for government incentives in R&D and commercialization. Support for the funding that has been made available through the stimulus and Renewable Fuel Standard are types of program that helps develop the market for advanced biofuels.

Rosenthal urged Congress not to miss the opportunity of developing a truly renewable, sustainable fuel that will create jobs, reduce pollution and increase national energy independence.

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Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) and it’s Governing Authority Awarded a Technology Commercialization Grant (TCG) to CCA for Dry Process Bio Jet Fuel from Algae Projet.

“We are a small company that has developed jet aviation fuel from algae.  We have already made a fuel that is suitable for ground applications; gas turbine power generators, auxillary power Units and similar power applications.” Said Robert Fulton company founder.  The Great State of Utah has provided them $39,000.00 to pursue further refinement & development of the aviation fuel he has created.  Most of the money is going to Southern Utah University and fuel system delivery equipment.  This project could yield hundreds of jobs, a lessening of dependence on foreign oil, and improvement in emissions (over burning kerosene based fuel.) you can see the video which the stills were taken from at www.algaeaviationfuel.com

“Persistence and the willingness to work hard has brought us forward and we look forward to the positive contribution our fuel will bring to the aviation industry and to our lessening dependence on foreign oil. My story is not important, getting things done is.” Says Fulton.

Much more on this venture is available.  Professor’s names,background, how the fuel was initially developed, and other details at their site www.algaeaviationfuel.com.

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It seems that algae biofuel producers are at disadvantage, because they are not recognized in the tax code as advanced biofuels makers. So the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) decided to take action and urged Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) to extend tax code parity to algae-based biofuels as soon as possible.
“Algae-based biofuel technology is advancing rapidly and is ready for commercialization. Production of algae-based biofuels can generate thousands of domestic green jobs in facility construction and operation and have the potential to greatly enhance our country’s energy and environmental security,” Brent Erickson, executive vice president for BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section, stated.
“The Environmental Protection Agency’s recently released rules for the Renewable Fuel Standard recognize that algae-based biofuels can qualify as advanced biofuels and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline. Unfortunately, though, algae-based biofuel developers do not qualify for existing tax incentives for advanced biofuel development.”
“It is extremely challenging for algae-based biofuel start-up companies to attract the capital required for facility construction, due to this disparate treatment under the tax code. Fixing this discrepancy and granting algae-based biofuels tax treatment similar to other advanced biofuels can open the way to greater job creation and economic growth,” Erickson concluded.

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Renewable Energy entrepreneurs are now looking for the best bioreactors with the right stuff. What is the right stuff you ask? Well it has to be a algae farm that meets a number of challenges: be affordable, scalable, able to handle variable temperatures at different client sites.

Low Cost of Implementation

The first area of concern is always the cost. As with all systems of a commercial scale, cost is king. The technology at this point has many faces to include row crops, large open pond systems, race way systems and photo-bioreactors. Thy system you choose must have nutrients to feed the algae, water and sunlight. Your carbon dioxide inputs can be active or ambient air. Cross contamination of the algae is a concern, but intended use of the algae will be your guide.

Continuous Harvesting

Harvesting the algae will always be a concern depending on the system. It will take more effort to harvest algae from an open pond system than it would from a continuous harvesting photo-bioreactors. Continuous harvesters do just that, always harvest algae cake, at this point you will only need staff to move the algae cake to the next stations for drying and oil extraction.

Oil Extraction

• There are three well-known methods to extract the oil from oilseeds, and these methods apply equally well for algae too:
• 1. Expeller/Press
  2. Hexane solvent oil extraction
  3. Supercritical Fluid extraction
• Expeller/Press
• Expression/Expeller press-When algae is dried it retains its oil content, which then can be “pressed” out with an oil press. Many commercial manufacturers of vegetable oil use a combination of mechanical pressing and chemical solvents in extracting oil.
• While more efficient processes are emerging, a simple process is to use a press to extract a large percentage (70-75%) of the oils out of algae.
• Hexane Solvent Method
• Algal oil can be extracted using chemicals. Benzene and ether have been used, but a popular chemical for solvent extraction is hexane, which is relatively inexpensive.
• Supercritical Fluid Method
• Supercritical extraction involves, pressure and heat to burst algal cell walls.

No matter what algae medium you chose just make sure it meets your needs and production goals.

Algae Biofuel will play a very important part in meeting the worlds growing energy need, Algae has a place in not only our past, but in our future as well.

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Algae 3 Pack Home Study Course

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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an office of the US Department of Defense, will soon be producing jet fuel made from algae at a price comparable to that of petroleum-based fuel, the UK Guardian reported on Saturday. DARPA could be months, not years, from producing an algal biofuel that is price-competitive with fossil fuels. According to Barbara McQuiston, special assistant to energy for DARPA, “Oil from algae is projected at $2 per gallon, headed towards $1 per gallon.”

The oil produced by algae still needs to be refined into jet fuel, which can be done while still keeping the price under $3 per gallon. McQuiston said an additional refinery will come on line in 2011 and be capable of producing 50 million gallons of algae-based jet fuel a year.

Research into algal biofuels has received massive funding from the US government and Exxon, but DARPA’s breakthrough in achieving a cost-effective method of production still came as a surprise. The director of the Algal Biomass Association, Mary Rosenthal, was taken aback by DARPA’s accelerated timeline and said she expected algal fuels to become competitive “in the next two years.”

DARPA’s work is part of the US military’s efforts to reduce costs and improve the flexibility of its supply chain by relying more on renewable sources of energy. The military aims to get half its energy from renewable sources by 2016, and the US Air Force wants to test 50-50 blends of biofuel and petroleum-based fuel by 2011.

As has been the case for many technological advancements throughout history, the military’s breakthrough advancement in algal fuels could soon benefit American civilians and heating oil users in particular. While the viability of biofuels from algae feedstocks has already been proven, other obstacles preventing biofuels from being widely available and cost-competitive with petroleum fuels have yet to be overcome. DARPA’s announcement signifies the existence of technology to manufacture biofuels at a competitive price point which, in our free-market society, means it is only a matter of time before that same technology makes its way into the private sector.

When that time comes, heating oil users can expect major changes in their heating fuel: higher concentrations of biofuel (from algae and other feedstocks) in heating oil at similar or even significantly lower prices than 100 percent petroleum heating oil.

Cleaner, greener fuel available at lower prices in the next few years; now that’s good news for everybody.

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