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