15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks
Updated: 
If corn-based biofuels are the Britney Spears of the cleantech world (a fallen star but still all over the place), fuel made from algae is the next great American Idol winner (major potential in the pipeline). And despite the fact that algae-to-biofuel startups have been taking their sweet time bringing a pond scum fuel product to market, some inroads have been made recently — GreenFuel is building its first plant, PetroSun starts producing at their farm on April 1, and big oil Chevron and Shell have made some early bets as well.
As we watch this play out, here are 15 algae biofuel firms that you should know about:
GreenFuel Technologies: The Cambridge, Mass.-based algae firm led by telecom bigwig Bob Metcalfe (whom we interviewed here) has reached an agreement to build its first fuel plant — worth $92 million — in Europe, says Xconomy. It’s good news for the firm, which has hit some speed bumps over the past year, including layoffs, switching CEOs, shutting down a greenhouse in Arizona and discovering that its algae tech was more expensive than first planned.
The startup builds algae bioreactor systems, which use recycled CO2 to feed the algae, which is then converted into biofuels; it uses the containers to carefully control the algae’s intake of sunlight and nutrients. GreenFuel is backed by Polaris Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson (our video interview with DFJ here) and Access Private Equity and has been working on raising a Series C funding.
Solazyme: The five-year old firm uses synthetic biology and genetic engineering to tweak algal strains for better biofuel yields. Based in South San Francisco, the company grows its algae in fermentation tanks without sunlight, by feeding it sugar. The company is one of the few that have managed to do deals with a major oil company — Chevron — as well as biodiesel maker Imperium Renewables. Backers include Blue Crest Capital Finance and The Roda Group.
Blue Marble Energy: The Seattle-based company finds algae-infested polluted water systems, cleans up the environment, and turns the algae into biofuel. “If the future of biofuels is algae…you’re never going to get enough volume in bioreactors or ponds…It has to be something with greater volume,” the company told the Guardian . We’re not sure how Blue Marble will control the wild algae settings, but it sounds like it could be difficult.
Inventure Chemical: Also out of Seattle, this startup is working on an algae-to-jet fuel product, and told the Seattle PI that it has already created algae-based fuel in 5- to 10-gallon tests and plans to set up a test plant to see if it can produce between from three and 15 million gallons of biofuel each year. Inventure Chemical closed its first round of funding mid-2007, and investors are reported to be biodiesel company Imperium Renewables, Cedar Grove Investments, Brighton Jones Wealth Management and undisclosed angel investors.
Solena: Profiled in the New York Times today, Solena uses high temperatures to gasify algae and other organic substances with high-energy outputs. The Washington state-based company is talking with Kansas power firm Sunflower to build a 40-megawatt power plant run on gasified algae, according to the NYT; the algae would be grown in big plastic containers, and fed by a combination of sunlight and the sodium bicarbonate biproduct of the adjacent coal plant.
Live Fuels: Instead of attempting to convert algae directly into ethanol or biodiesel, this startup is trying to create green crude that could be fed directly through the nation’s current refinery system. The Menlo Park, Calif-based startup uses open-pond algae bioreactors and plans to commercialize its technology by 2010. Investors include the Quercus Trust (David Gelbaum’s well-known environmental funding group) and Sandia National Labs.
Solix Biofuels: Like Live Fuels, Solix is also working on a biocrude, but using a closed-tank bioreactor set-up. Based in Fort Collins, Colo., and founded in April 2006, the firm is backed by Colorado State University’s Engine and Energy Conversion Laboratory. The company has said that construction will begin shortly on its first, large-scale bioreactor at the nearby New Belgian Brewery, where CO2 waste produced during the beer-making proicess will be used to feed the algae.
Aurora Biofuels: Developed at the University of California at Berkeley, the company is using genetics ally to isolate modified exclusive algae strains that can efficiently create biodiesel. Aurora claims the technology can create biodiesel fuel with yields that are 125 times higher and have 50 percent lower costs than current production methods (Update: developed by microbial biology professor Tasios Melis was an early advisor to the team). According to the company’s web site, backers include Gabriel Venture Partners, Noventi, Oak Investment Partners (and angel investors include Auttomatic CEO Toni Schneider)
Aquaflow Binomics: The New Zealand company’s goal is to become “the first company in the world to economically produce biofuel from wild algae harvested from open-air environments.” Like Blue Marble Energy, the three-year-old startup sources its algae from algae-infested polluted water systems, cleaning the polluted environment in the process.
Late last year, publicly held Aquaflow used its algae-based biodiesel to run a Land Rover driven by New Zealand’s Minister of Climate Change. And it’s been working with Boeing on algae-to-bio-based jet fuel.
Petro Sun: This company is also publicly held, but we thought it was important to include it because they plan to start up their algae-to-biofuel production factory in Rio Honda, Texas, on April 1. The algae farm has 1,100 acres ponds that Petro Sun thinks will make 4.4 million gallons of algal oil and 110 million pounds of biomass per year. Some think the company is just jumping on the algae-slimed bandwagon.
Bionavitas: Based in Snoqualmie, Wash., the company says it has developed technology for the high-volume production of algae using bioreactors. Check out their WIPO patent app for the bioreactor setup.
Mighty Algae Biofuels: The little we do know about Mighty Algae Biofuels we learned through their entrance in the California Cleantech Open last year. We know, for example, that it uses closed bioreactors to grow the algae. They were also quoted in the San Jose Mercury this month on a story about algae biofuel.
Bodega Algae: Another newbee, this one with roots at MIT, the one-year-old firm has developed a set-up to grow algae in bioreactors with light and nutrients that it says is lower cost and more efficient than the current methods. Back in May 2007 Bodega said it was looking for $300,000 for “capital equipment, salaries and testing materials to complete the first prototype and begin a pilot study with a biodiesel manufacturing facility.” (Their web site is down, so we’ll if they’re still around).
Seambiotic: The five-year-old Israeli startup produces algae for applications, including the budding biofuel industry, and is working with Inventure Chemical. The firm has been working with Israeli Electric Company, utilizing IEC’s smokestack for a source of CO2 and grows algae in eight open algae ponds.
Cellena: A joint venture created by Hawaiian algae-to-biofuel startup HR Biopetroleum and oil company Shell. Shell has majority share of the company, which is in the process of building a demo facility on the Kona coast of Hawaii.
[...] was supposed to shrink, got even bigger. Or the other, other guys: Earth2Tech reports on a host of algae-to-biodiesel [...]
Katie: Way 2 Go! Green biodiesel is the “way 2 go”.
We live on Lake Champlain. Currently, the dairy farms dump manure on fields which drains into the lake fertilizing seaweeds which choke the shoreline. We can harvest the seaweed biomass and blend with the manure, cut the carbon, produce methane and power.
“Way 2 go!”.
Bob Hardy, Vergennes, VT 05491 M 802 777 3311
[...] Earth2Tech: 15 Start-ups that are turning pond scum into fuel. No seriously. [...]
One more: Algae @ Work, http://www.algaeatwork.com/. They were formed when Jim Sears left Solix to pursue a different vision for the technology.
Thanks Tom! Anyone else have any additions to the list?
[...] Read the rest of this post Print all_things_di220:http://voices.allthingsd.com/20080328/15-algae-startups-bringing-pond-scum-to-fuel-tanks/ Sphere Comment Tagged: Katie Fehrenbacher, cleantech, Britney Spears, Earth2Tech, Biofuel, Voices | permalink [...]
[...] was supposed to shrink, got even bigger. Or the other, other guys: Earth2Tech reports on a host of algae-to-biodiesel firms. • • [...]
Check the research being done at the National Biofuels Energy Laboratory at Wayne State University in Detroit (http://www.eng.wayne.edu/page.php?id=4765 and click on “projects”) — some very cool research into which particular breed of pond scum will make the best diesel oil. Some of these startups should be linking up with this lab for research.
Valcent is another company working on algae to biodiesel.
http://www.valcent.net
[...] 28, 2008 · No Comments Earth2Tech covers 15 Algae startups. Check out http://www.livefuels.com/ and http://www.solenagroup.com/ for particularly interesting [...]
Global Green Solutions, whose Vertigro solution is a vertical closed system. Located near El Paso.
http://www.globalgreensolutionsinc.com
[...] 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks (tags: environment research science energy biology sustainable) [...]
[...] 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks « Earth2Tech: 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks [...]
As a resident of China, I am wondering if any of these companies have moved into China, and if so what the reception has been.
Last summer there were no less than 14 large lakes that experienced sever algae blooms, and already we have seen 10 tributaries of the Yangtze experience algae blooms this year (in the cold season).
In my mind, and of course this depends on the ability of the technologies listed above, there could potentially be a large market in China.
r
http://www.china-crossroads.com
XLTechGroup’s PetroAlgae LLC
http://www.petroalgae.com/
[...] have been “algae’s official tipping point.” Let me point to this great piece on 15 Algae Startup Companies from earth2tech, as well as news of a large-scale algae facility to open in South East Texas [...]
[...] EcoGeek.org: Algae BioFuel on Sale Soon Earth2Tech: 15 Algae Startups to watch Wired: Driving Around Sundance With Algae Biodiesel TreeHugger: Ethanol vs. [...]
Great report, and interest in your follow-up story that could discuss technical hurdles, harmful biproducts, current cost comparison to ethanol, rates of progress toward cost reduction, etc.
[...] No Comments Posted April 1st, 2008 at 8:00 am in Startups When we gathered together our post, 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks, last week, we realized a lot of the companies are making some significant inroads on the [...]
another one missed: http://www.originoil.com/
[...] Earth2Tech: 15 Start-ups that are turning pond scum into fuel. No seriously. [...]
Good article. Thank you, Ms. Fehrenbacher. One criticism. The media have got to stop using cute little tag lines like “Turning pond scum into fuel”. It is demeaning of a very serois technology that offers the world a MAJOR solution to a myriad of problems.
[...] link here for Katie’s blurb on the 15 companies. http://www.oilgae.com is a site devoted to all things [...]
Good to see that Algae is getting some traction in on the web. This article spurred me to post my own summary about different companies related to the Algae for BioFuels.
http://seacleantech.blogspot.com/2008/04/algae-summary.html#links
I just added a few comments but I think it can be a pretty good start for anyone interested in knowing more.
I welcome feedback, comments and contacts.
Best regards,
Per Dahlen
Nice summary. Petro Sun management includes Dallas Cowboys legend Rayfield Wright. They sponsor a college football bowl game in addition to harvesting algae. Maybe they’re going to break through into the open with their farms on the Gulf Coast.
[...] corn or soybeans and can grow in salt water, our worlds most abundant source. There are several startups bringing pond scum to fuel tanks, among them Solazyme who were caught driving around Sundance Film Festival this year with an [...]
[...] corn or soybeans and can grow in salt water, our worlds most abundant source. There are several startups bringing pond scum to fuel tanks, among them Solazyme who were caught driving around Sundance Film Festival this year with an [...]
We have a pond property near Boston that an algae researcher might be interested in.
Thanks,
HB Buckner
603.801.9765
Sorry:
We have a pond property near Boston that an algae researcher might be interested in.
Info at: http://www.troutpondnh.com
Thanks,
HB Buckner
603.801.9765
[...] April 17, 2008 8:04 PM Subscribe Pond scum saves the planet? In the beginning, there were algae, but there was no oil. Then, from algae came oil. Now, the algae [...]
[...] where is the silver lining for clean tech producers, and how do you get products into the [...]
[...] out: Earth2tech Algae Biofuels Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and [...]
This will change the world for the better. Say good-bye to OPEC.
[...] del carbonio e produzione di biocarburanti per naturalmente minimizzarne i costi. Già Earth2Tech ha recentemente presentato 15 delle principali start up si aziende che producono biocarburanti [...]
[...] Perhaps if you are fortunate enough to the algae blooms, you can harness the algae to create a power supply… [...]
Pond Scum Shows Promise as Fuel
by Jan TenBruggencate Honolulu Advertiser May 12, 2007
Could pond scum solve the world’s energy and global warming crises?
University of Hawai’i professor Pengchen “Patrick” Fu thinks it can, with a little push from biotechnology.
Fu has developed strains of cyanobacteria – one of the components of pond scum – that feed on atmospheric carbon dioxide, and produce ethanol as a waste product.
He has done it both in his laboratory under fluorescent light and with sunlight on the roof of his building. Sunlight works better, he said.
“It’s a promising technology,” said Maria Tome, energy engineer with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s energy office. “It has a lot of appeal and potential.”
Tome, who has been briefed on the project, said that if it works, its benefits could be significant.
“Turning waste into something useful is a good thing,” she said.
The technique may need adjusting to increase how much ethanol it yields, but “I think this technology has a future. This work is very good,” said C.Y. Hu, associate director for research with the university’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, which houses the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology.
The process was patented by Fu and UH in January, but there’s still plenty of work to do to bring it to a commercial level, Fu said.
ETHANOL PLANT PLANS
Fu figures his team is two to three years from being able to build a full-scale ethanol plant, and they are looking for investors.
He is fine-tuning his research to find different strains of blue-green algae that will produce even more ethanol, and that are more tolerant of high levels of ethanol. One problem Fu encounters is that as the cyanobacteria produces ethanol, the increased concentration of ethanol eventually kills the algae.
Recently, he clambered over Kilauea volcano on the Big Island seeking out new strains of cyanobacteria that might be more effective.
Fu started out in chemical engineering, and then began the study of biology. He has studied in China, Australia, Japan and the United States, and came to UH in 2002 after a stint as scientist for a private company in California. He is an assistant professor in the university’s Department of Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, although his contract ends this summer.
He is working with NASA on the potential of cyanobacteria in future lunar and Mars colonization, and is also proceeding to take his ethanol technology into the marketplace. A business plan using his system, under the name La Wahie Biotech, yesterday won third place – and a $5,000 award – in the Business Plan Competition at UH’s Shidler College of Business.
Daniel Dean and Donavan Kealoha, both UH law and business students, are Fu’s partners. Kealoha said the time seems to be right and the technology compelling, so they are in the process of turning the business plan into an operating business.
The production of ethanol for fuel is one of the nation’s and the world’s major initiatives, partly because its production takes as much carbon out of the atmosphere as it dumps into the atmosphere. That’s different from fossil fuels such as oil and coal, which take stored carbon out of the ground and release it into the atmosphere, for a net increase in greenhouse gas.
Most current and planned ethanol production methods depend on farming, and in the case of corn and sugar, take food crops and divert them into energy. Fu said crop-based ethanol production is slow and resource-costly. He decided to work with cyanobacteria, some of which convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into their own food and release oxygen as a waste product.
Other scientists also are researching using cyanobacteria to make ethanol, using different strains, but Fu’s technique is unique, he said. He inserted genetic material into one type of freshwater cyanobacterium, causing it to produce ethanol as its waste product. It works, and is an amazingly efficient system, he said.
“We have no need to use anything but sunlight and carbon dioxide,” plus a trace amount of nutrient materials, he said. “We are very confident about this.”
QUICK RESULTS
The technology is fairly simple, he said. It involves a photobioreactor, which is a fancy term for a clear glass or plastic container full of something alive, in which light promotes a biological reaction.
Carbon dioxide gas is bubbled through the green mixture of water and cyanobacteria.
“Solar energy drives the conversion” of the carbon dioxide into ethanol, Fu said. The liquid is then passed through a specialized membrane that removes the ethanol, allowing the water, nutrients and cyanobacteria to return to the photobioreactor.
The benefit over other techniques of producing ethanol is that this is simple and quick-taking days rather than the months required to grow crops that can be converted to ethanol, Fu said.
And he believes it can be done for significantly less than the cost of gasoline and also less than the cost of ethanol produced through conventional methods.
Also, this system is not a net producer of carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide released into the environment when ethanol is burned has been withdrawn from the environment during ethanol production.
To get the carbon dioxide it needs, the system could even pull the gas out of the emissions of power plants or other carbon dioxide producers. That would prevent carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere, where it has been implicated as a major cause of global warming.
Source: Honolulu Advertiser
CEQUESTA
Cequesta of Jerusalem, Israel (http://www.cequesta.com) are leaders in large-scale algae field (LSAF) technology. Of all plants, algae have the most exciting future since their potential productivity per hectare is many more times any other plant variety.
To achieve their full potential, improvements are needed in algae strains, photo-bioreactor design, and processing. Cequesta knows and understands these areas very well and has retained the most experienced researchers in this exciting field. The company has independent development teams in four places around the world, coordinated from Jerusalem. We believe we will be the first to produce low-cost bio-fuel from algae, along with other very important commercial products like fishmeal; natural neutraceuticals; replacements for synthetic neutraceuticals and synthetic food additives and fish oils.
Our senior staff are:
Chief Operational Officer: Shlomzion Landau
Chief Technical Officer: Dr Michael Kagan
Chief Scientist: Professor Amos Richmond
Chief Excutive Officer: David Waimann
Chief LSAF designer: Eitan Sharir
Chief Labs: Jenia Gutman
t: +972 2 6738158
f: +972 2 6738157
Our laboratories and test centre are at Mevo’ot Yam by the Mediterranean sea.
| Prof. Amos Richmond | Dr. Michael Kagan | David Waimann |
[...] America’s greedy and evil private sector is at it again trying to spurn innovative solutions. Those damn capitalists: 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks Earth2Tech [...]
[...] “15 Start ups to Watch” via Earth2Tech blog [...]
[...] learn more on the subject and review 15 additional potential start-ups review the article on Earth2Tech “15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks” Written by Katie Fehrenb… and the listings on this [...]
[...] Transfer Heat Pictures of Dell’s Eco Bamboo ComputerThe House That Twitters Its Energy Use15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks10 Questions for Nanosolar CEO Martin RoscheisenIs Nanosolar Worth $2 Billion? Recent [...]
a non-profit company in New Mexico involved in developing an integrated system for production of algae biodiesel: http://www.cehmm.org
I am having the large land plots in Rajasthan in India and wish to go for the production of Alge for the biofuel.
Can any one suggest the project cost viable at the starting level.
Chirag Gajjar,
You can start at any initial investment size depending on who you have collaborating on a project. Finding equipment suppliers or advisors is not the principal challenge. Once you start, you will want to know who will be investing in the following steps to build on the first initial investment. I am also bringing together investors for possible participation in new initiatives; they may like to also hear about what you want to do. Let’s discuss on my website-blog if you like.
XL Renewables recently announced that they have developed an economical system for the large-scale production of algae and they will be installing a 40 acre commercial-scale facility in Arizona.
Website: http://www.xlrenewables.com
[...] addition to the company mentioned in that PM article, there are a number of other start-up firms looking at different ways to harness the potential of [...]
[...] will allow them to maximize carbon capture and minimize costs. Earth2Tech recently had a writeup on 15 of the top algae biofuel startups. Of all of the techniques listed hear, algae farming with CO2 is probably the most mature [...]
[...] to Invest $8B in U.S. Clean Energy 5 Energy Monitoring Startups to Help You Cut Home Power15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel TanksIberdrola to Invest $8B in U.S. Clean EnergyPictures of Dell’s Eco Bamboo Computer25 Who Ditched [...]
I like to invest,Can any one suggest the project cost viable at the starting level
i want to start it but can any one tell me the cost of project and if some one for joint venture i would also go ahead. email me at bhavesh3_1978@yahoo.co.in
[...] CIA Head Joins VC Firm VantagePoint Garbage Will Lead the Biofuel Revolution15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks25 Who Ditched Infotech for CleantechOcean Seeding Startup Climos Looking to Raise More [...]
[...] third piece is an interesting post highlighting 15 algae startup companies. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “Could Algae Be The Answer to Our Fuel Needs?”, url: [...]
This is the answer to the nations energy problem! There should be a mandate from congress to start mass production of algae biofuel. It should be made available first to the truckers before many have to cease operation. I think the clowns at OPEC are getting nervous about this one. I can’t wait to see their faces when they can’t even give away their dirty oil. Hurray up guys!!
[...] or consumer-side retrofits. It is a promising approach to replacing oil. Sapphire’s got not a small amount of competition in the algal arena and the several well funded competitors in the synthetic petroleum field. Still, there’s more [...]
[...] that you should …. EcoGeek.org: algae biofuel on Sale Soon Earth2Tech: 15 algae Startups to …http://earth2tech.com/2008/03/27/15-algae-startups-bringing-pond-scum-to-fuel-tanks/Algae Biofuel From SewageNew Zealand??s Aquaflow Bionomic Corp. has become the World??s first [...]
[...] Posted June 10th, 2008 at 8:36 am in Startups Aurora Biofuels, an algae to biodiesel startup we profiled in our 15 Algae Startups list, said this morning that the company has raised a second round of funding of $20 million; Oak [...]
[...] biofuel is so promising many companies are developing the technology including: Royal Dutch Shell and Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation. Shell [...]
[...] Algae fuel startups have sprouted up around the nation. Star among these is GreenFuel Technologies Corporation, founded in 2005, which successfully grows algae in power plant carbon dioxide emissions. The algae piggybacks on existing natural gas plants, growing off emissions and sunlight before being processed into biofuel, ethanol, and livestock feed. [...]
[...] IEC’s smokestack for a source of CO2 to feed its algae. (Our mention of Seambiotic in our 15 algae startups to watch.) Inventure, on the other hand, has been working on the process that turns the algae into different [...]
One more for the list, and a big one: Algenol, which is helping to build an $850m solar algal bioreactor plant in the Mexican Sonoran Desert, and whose algae are distinctive in that they actually SECRETE ethanol, rather than having to be harvested and processed for lipids (the base for biodiesel).
Oh, and the site: http://www.algenolbiofuels.com/
Yet another firm
http://www.greenstarusa.com
[...] algae-to-biofuel startup companies are in various stages of development. Posted by assignmentglobal Filed in [...]
Algae Commercialization:
Business Roundtable, Research and Networking Forum – SOLD OUT
http://www.nationalalgaeassociation.com
[...] uses both closed photobioreactors and open ponds to quickly grow algae in a process it calls ALDUO. While many other algae companies are pursuing either the closed or open system, HR BioPetroluem is currently seeking a patent for [...]
Hey, great article. If the lakes I have visited here this summer are any indication, there is indeed a never ending source of fuel in the area of algae!
Seriously though, I like the idea, and think you did a great job in presenting it.
[...] fueled by oil or coal; meanwhile there is a mess of biomass just floating around, waiting to be converted into biofuel. Will the national government continue to finance projects that pollute but look pretty, or turn to [...]
Is there any work being done on home/farm level production/harvest? having experience in auqua-culture, I usually spot many algea choked ponds in my travels. Could a vision of a farmer/propery owner with an automated harvester collecting for delivery to a central processing point be off the mark?
Also the thought occured to me, (not first I’m sure), possibility of using the biofuel being mowed down and discarded along our countries medians and right of ways.
Good question Tim, was wondering the same thing myself. Is it possible to be an algae farmer? Who would buy it?
New algae resources…
http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2008/08/15/ocean-dead-zones-growing/
I like what GreenStar (www.greenstarusa.com) are doing. They are a research and development company with experience through partnerships in ethanol and biodiesel production cos. so they have a good foundation in renewable fuels already. They also hold some key patents.
[...] http://earth2tech.com/2008/03/27/15-algae-startups-bringing-pond-scum-to-fuel-tanks/ [...]
[...] Comments Posted September 10th, 2008 at 10:06 pm in Hitlines,Startups The New Zealand company Aquaflow Binomics, which is looking to be the first company in the world to economically produce biofuel from wild [...]
I was wondering if you could send me some info aboout the growth of Algae. I’m doing a science fair project on it my topic is “Does the terbity of the water affect the growth of algae?”
We are a small manufacturer of blown plastic films in NW Washington State. We can very efficiently blow up to approx 12″ diameter continuous tubing. We have come across some resins that produce films that are oil and UV resistant, along with having good clarity and tear strength. I see the tubing as possible portable aglae growing chambers. What do others think? Does anyone know of others working on similar ideas?
We are a nonprofit corporation in the Philippines and USA that focus on Agro Fishery. Our 5 hectare fishpond is an organic farm. My research and work is on algae and the different alternative plants for fish feeds. We all know that one of the world’s biggest crisis is fuel, but the bigger one is food. We have several methods and technique to make algae bloom in our ponds which feeds our fishes and crustaceans. If anyone out there is interested in our mission in creating low cost fish feeds and increase the much needed fish protein diet of the world and in doing so…produce algae that could make a dent in the fuel crisis..please contact me…my goal is to produce fish like the tilapia in thousands of hectares of unproductive fishponds in the Philippines. We are fully registered in the US and the Philippines and is 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in USA. We can produce food and fuel at the same time and maybe make a little difference in the world of the underprivileged. junnfflores@yahoo.com
[...] what sectors took all that cash? The report says algae companies (see our 15 algae startups here), smart grid startups (see the smart energy home here) and thin film firms took record levels of [...]
[...] what sectors took all that cash? The report says algae companies (see our 15 algae startups here), smart grid startups (see the smart energy home here) and thin film firms took record levels of [...]
You can also view algae biodiesel at Circle Biodiesel & Ethanol Corporation where they make an algae harvester and algae photo bioreactors. I think they are a company to look at for sure.
[...] in Energy,Startups PetroSun, a company that has been building an algae-to-fuel farm in Texas, says it plans to establish an algae farm in China that will produce algae to be converted into biofuels. [...]
[...] a company that has been building an algae-to-fuel farm in Texas, said this week that it plans to establish an algae farm in China that will produce algae to be converted into biofuels. [...]
[...] a company that has been building an algae-to-fuel farm in Texas, said this week that it plans to establish an algae farm in China that will produce algae to be converted into biofuels. [...]
[...] almost all the major airlines are keen to be the first to get a passenger plane in the air powered entirely by green energy alternatives and, as things stand, algae is looking the best bet [...]
Personally, I’m investing in the VALCENT/VERTIGRO systems. Rather than depending on a flat plane surface for growth, a much more productive vertical hanging scheme is used. Check out the patent pending system at Valcent industries site. I’m so glad that there is so much interest in algae for fuel. Thanks.
[...] other aquatic biofuels such as algae, seaweed power is attractive because it offers impressive energy returns for minimal initial [...]
[...] biomass that can be refined and transported in the existing oil infrastructure has given birth to a significant number of startups – Sapphire Energy, Aquaflow Bionomic, Live Fuels and Solix Biofuels, to name a few. And now even [...]
[...] Solix uses closed photobioreactors — often clear tanks — to produce its algae. Companies that use closed algae growing systems do so to control the environment in the tank and also to be able to distribute the tanks in a variety of locations. Open algae-growing systems are cheaper but need to be able to combat outside contaminants and are reliant on the environment. [...]
I suggest investing in an algae company that has an algae product with customers ready to purchase it. This gives the company cash flow while the research is done to reduce the cost of producing algae for biofuels. This results in less risk for the investor.
this is really interesting. I’m going to do more research right away…
Seambiotic is a very cool Israeli srartup
Hello all, i am conducting my own research with botryococcus braunii and genetic tools. I am looking to manipulate the biosynthesis pathways in the strain to generate short chain alkanes. I am going to be making my way from Atlanta GA to Vancouver BC, and plan to visit as many algae researchers as possible. I depart Atl on Jan. 15. If you can offer any contacts or would like to meet me please email me. afreeman1984@gmail.com
Thank you and i love that there are so many fighting for the cause for clean energy!!!!
[...] Fifteen Algae Bio Fuel startups, the next poster child Tags: chindia, passviehouses Categories: Energy Posted By: Rinaldo Di Giorgio Last Edit: 02 Jan 2009 @ 11 07 AM E-mail • Permalink Previous: Responses to this post » (None) Comments are open. Feel free to leave a comment below. Comment Meta: RSS Feed for comments TrackBack URI Leave A Comment … [...]
[...] by Sleeping Giant No large scale commercial plants exist at this time. Define Large scale 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks or by that do you mean haven’t been sucking as hard at the public tit? __________________ [...]
Algae Fuel
It’s all over the news today. Airlines are testing it with great results. Looks like they relly may have found something here !
Algae It is the Future !
Jerry
Http://AlgaeFuelMaking.Com
[...] operation of 24 research labs and facilities, Chu could push Uncle Sam to support technologies like algal biofuels and smart metering the way the feds have in recent years backed corn ethanol — which could [...]
Hi, my name is willie j from ft valley university in georgia. I am thrilled to see that this world is fastly becoming a place of thinkers and in the near future, we the people will have control of our own destiny. I want to begin work on a project for algae farming for my school that will educate the black community and inpower them as well. I want to start but I dont know the steps to take to see my dream realized? Can you help me?
Anything that reduces our dollars to the ragheads is a positive – biofuels, wind, solar, nuclear, coal, hydro – bring it all on and get us off foreign oil completely in 15 years.
[...] by Josie Garthwaite No Comments Posted February 8th, 2009 at 9:00 pm in Policy It could fuel fighter jets and go a long way toward cleaning up power plants, which is why the Pentagon, Silicon Valley and some of the world’s top research institutions [...]
[...] For more information on where the technology is headed, check out this list of algae biofuel startups. [...]
[...] For more information on where the technology is headed, check out this list of algae biofuel startups. [...]
Interesting blog, look forward to more.
[...] Earth2Tech [...]
I’m a student and i’m making a presentation on this topic: algal fuel and i’v realised that i dont know much and i have no idea what should i be looking for to make a clear picture of the whole scenario for the other students. i was hoping i would get help from somewhere
[...] Reading on Renewable Energy and other Related Technologies 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel TanksBiochar: Black is the New [...]
[...] Here are 10 companies that are doing more than talking about turning pond scum into fuel — they are small companies actually doing it. Maybe this is where you should put your retirement savings instead of that dwindling 401K. (For more on these companies and a peek at five more, see this post from Earth2Tech on 15 algae fuel startups: [...]
This is great post,I’m surely bookmark this page and keep reading every post you made, thx!
[...] is a list of companies who are solely looking into turning Algae to [...]
[...] http://earth2tech.com/2008/03/27/15-alga… Filed under Bio Algae and Culture | [...]
[...] isn’t the only company with big algae projects in the works. Blue Marble Energy creates fuel using algae found in polluted [...]
[...] company, even if it starts with a good idea. Well, now that GreenFuel has passed on, look to the other algae startups (like Sapphire) to take advantage of the opening. [...]
[...] Solix does the same in tanks. Both these companies, as well as GreenFuel were highlighted in an article from last year looking specifically at 15 algae [...]
[...] scheme (”wary,” according to Greenwire). More than a dozen algae startups are already racing to bring pond scum to fuel tanks, and San Diego aims to become the Silicon Valley of algae [...]
We need to get rid of the word “biodiesel”. It is all biological in origin. The crude oil that is pumped out of the ground and refined into diesel and gasoline originated from living things.
With that said, I would very much like to start a business raising algae to be converted into fuel. I understand the technology pretty well and I am comfortable (based on experience) with my ability to operate a production facility and handle the logistics of production and delivery. I do not have any kind of solid understanding of the bottom line numbers. How much to start, how much to operate, how much production daily/weekly, cash flow. Until I have those numbers it would be silly to seek venture capital.
[...] money into algae-based fuels. The latest recipient is Solazyme, which uses synthetic biology to produce algal-derived fuels in dark closed fermentation tanks. The company says this morning that it has raised a total of $76 million, including $57 million in [...]
Someone needs to get a hold of the DNR in Mercer/Auglaize counties in Ohio. Their lake, Grand Lake St. Mary’s has become overrun with Algae. They need a way to clean up & this sounds like something that would really be beneficial to both parties.
Very useful job!! will definitely visit again/
[...] slightly different approach to algae fuel than its competitors. While most algae-to-fuel startups (15 listed here) grow algae so they can process the algae directly into fuel, Algenol collects ethanol vapors from [...]
[...] For a full list of algae startups check out our 15 Algae Startups Bringing Pond Scum to Fuel Tanks. [...]
[...] and Shell like the potential for algae as a solution to the US’s need for energy. A slew of small start-ups are in the marketplace [...]
BioCentric Energy Shareholder Update
6:00a ET July 13, 2009 (Market Wire)
BioCentric Energy Holdings, Inc.(PINKSHEETS: BEHL) Shareholder Update:
President of the National Algae Association, Barry Cohen, while in our corporate offices in San Juan Capistrano, California, participated in a discussion arranged by the BioCentric Team and a representative of a public company that has 61 operating locations coast-to-coast in 50 cities, approximately 6,400 employees, and approximately $1 billion in annualized revenues.
The Engineering, Procurement and Construction representative asked Barry Cohen for his thoughts of BioCentric and the onsite Photobioreactor, his comments were, “BioCentric is the ‘Wal-Mart’ of the Algae Business… they provide the most inexpensive solution, by a long shot… they looked at the business of algae farming and calculated how to make it significantly less expensive than anyone else… and their ongoing future developments will continue to hold that lead for the foreseeable future.”
Additionally while Mr. Cohen was present at the company’s headquarters the definitive dates of January 4th and 5th 2010 have been established and arrangements are now being made to hold the first conference of the West Coast Chapter of the National Algae Association in Las Vegas. Mr. Shen, a member of the National Advisor Council for the NAA, Mr. Fisher, President of the West Coast Chapter of the NAA, and the BioCentric Team, along with the assistance of Lisa and Barry Cohen will fine tune this event in the coming months.
Mr. Shen leaves this week to meet with Biocentric associates in the Czech Republic to define priorities, allocate resources, and commit to a definitive plan of action. In the second leg of his travels he will be visiting China to manage the initial procurements.
Dennis Fisher, CEO, BioCentric Energy Holdings, Inc. today stated, “The last days of assembly could not have been completed without the incredible efforts of Lowell Brittain and Patrick Kuykendall. In their efforts they built a component that before now had only been conceptualized. Consequently they will have their names on the provisional patent. When you are lucky enough to assemble a crew like the BioCentric Team, it is truly a wonderful experience.”
About BioCentric Energy Holdings, Inc.
Biocentric Energy Holdings, Inc. is dedicated to the development of new technologies as well as acquiring and fostering companies with innovative technologies designed to provide unique and effective green energy solutions for the 21st century. Along with the cultivation of important relationships and partnerships with synergistic entities, BioCentric Energy has devoted substantial time and effort in research and development in order to bring a range of innovative green alternatives to the marketplace. http://www.biocentricenergy.com & http://www.biocentricenergyalgae.com
Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as BEHL or its management “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company’s business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.
VOD Newswire View this release in video format — http://vodnewswire.com/vodnewswire/news/biocentric-energy-20090713/
Contact: Dale Baeten BioCentric Investor Relations Office: 920-273-7941
SOURCE: BioCentric Energy Holdings, Inc.