{"id":26967,"date":"2015-07-13T04:18:29","date_gmt":"2015-07-13T02:18:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rss.nova-institut.net\/public.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biofuelsdigest.com%2Fbdigest%2F2015%2F07%2F09%2Fwhats-up-with-algae-now%2F"},"modified":"2015-07-13T11:20:26","modified_gmt":"2015-07-13T09:20:26","slug":"whats-up-with-algae-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/whats-up-with-algae-now\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s up with Algae now?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Six years after 2009\u2019s \u201csummer of algae\u201d, we look at who\u2019s doing what now, as the industry diversifies heavily into nutraceuticals in search of sustaining product revenue.<\/strong><\/p>\n

31 Algae players, what do they make now, and how are they making out?<\/h3>\n

Algae, algae, algae \u2014\u00a0 biofuels made from and by the littleist creatures in the advanced bioeconomy is back in focus this week, as the DOE puts $18M in funding into the marlet aimed at stimulating sub-$5 per gallon algae biofuels by 2019.<\/p>\n

What are the current generation of algae technologies and companies up to? What are they making, and how are they making out, exactly? Here\u2019s our company by company guide to 31 of the players on the scene \u2014 project developers and technology suppliers.<\/p>\n

AlgaEnergy<\/h4>\n

AlgaEnergy is a technology-based company specialized in the field of microalgae biotechnology aiming to develop novel products derived from microalgae -nutritional, cosmetics and energetic, among others.<\/p>\n

In February 2014, we repoirted that Spanish company AlgaEnergy plans to develop a 1 million liter biomass-powered facility<\/a> to demonstrate its technology at scale for further market development in North and South America. The company will begin operating its $9.6 million facility in Arcos de la Frontera, starting with 350,000 liters and eventually ramping up to 1 million liters as is planned for Mexico.<\/p>\n

AlgaEnergy\u00a0is currently marketing products targeting the sectors of aquaculture, agriculture, food, feed, natural pigments, cosmetics, and technology and engineering, via the selling of turnkey plants. In the near future, AlgaEnergy will have developed new products for the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, whilst at the same time, it is intensifying its researches and developments across the whole value chain towards the cost reduction, under profitability and sustainability criteria, of\u00a0third generation biofuels to be used for road transport and aviation.<\/p>\n

Algasol<\/h4>\n

Algasol Renewables has \u201ctransitioned from a technology company, owning the most coveted patent and cost efficient (CAPEX, OPEX and productivity) on algae growth systems towards becoming one of the largest algal biomass manufacturers through its daughter companies,\u00a0Algasol Bangladesh Ltd\u00a0and Algae Biomass Bangladesh Ltd,\u201d the company proclaims.<\/p>\n

Algasol announced this week that a patent for its floating PhotoBioReactor (PBR), based on density difference, has been issued in the\u00a0Federal Republic of Nigeria. The company\u2019s photobioreactor technology \u201cbreaks the cost barrier and allows microalgae production to be economically viable\u201d now, the company says. On average, Algasol notes, the \u201ctechnology lowers CAPEX by 90% when compared to other growth systems, and is deployable both on land (in ponds) and in the oceans. To give you an example, 1 ha (10,000m2) of Algasol PBRs is as low as $52,500, including harvesting valves and internal aeration.\u201d<\/p>\n

In May, Algasol and PT Elnusa TBK announced the signing of a joint-endeavour for growing large volumes of algae biomass and sequestering larger quantities of CO2 with Algasol\u2019s patented floating PBR technology in Indonesian territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ.<\/p>\n

The patent has previusly been allowed in the US and Vietname among other nations.<\/p>\n

Algatechnologies<\/h4>\n

Algatechologies is a rapidly growing biotechnology company, specializing in the commercial cultivation of microalgae. Founded in 1998, Algatechnologies is a world leader in the production and supply of AstaPure \u2013\u00a0a premium natural astaxanthin \u2013 one of the world\u2019s most powerful antioxidants sourced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis.<\/p>\n

In January 2014, natural algae astaxanthin manufacturers Fuji Chemical Industry Co, Algatechnologies Ltd, and Cyanotech Corporation announced that they will form the \u201cNatural Algae Astaxanthin Association,\u201d a trade organization dedicated to educating the public and dietary supplement industry about the health benefits of Natural Astaxanthin and the major differences between sources.<\/p>\n

These three founding members will welcome other algae-based astaxanthin producers to the Association in the near future. The association is being formed in response to the petrochemical derived synthetic astaxanthin, which is now being marketed.<\/p>\n

Algenol<\/h4>\n

Algenol is commercializing its patented algae technology platform for production of ethanol and other biofuels.<\/p>\n

Algenol\u2019s patented technology enables the production of the four most important fuels (ethanol, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel) for around $1.30 per gallon\u00a0each\u00a0using proprietary algae, sunlight, carbon dioxide and saltwater at production levels of\u00a08,000 total gallons of liquid fuel per acre per year. Algenol\u2019s\u00a0technology produces high yields and relies on Algenol\u2019s patented photobioreactors and proprietary downstream separation techniques for low-cost\u00a0fuel production. \u00a0These \u201cnovel, low-cost techniques have the added benefit of consuming carbon dioxide from industrial sources, not using farmland or food crops and being able to provide freshwater,\u201d the company says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year, 2015,\u201d says CEO and founder Paul Woods, \u201cis the year we announce our first commercial facility, to be located in the United States. \u00a0This first facility will provide the basis for rapid expansion around the world in suitable locations.\u201d<\/p>\n

In February, Algenol announced that it has closed<\/a> on a new $25 million investment from BioFields, a Mexican business group devoted to the development of renewable and clean energy projects. This new investment follows a previous investment of $40 million from BioFields in 2014 \u2014 in all, BioFields has invested\u00a0$65M in Algenol.<\/p>\n

Founded in 2006, Algenol converts CO2 from industrial emitters into transportation fuels through its game-changing DIRECT TO ETHANOL process. The Company is working aggressively to commercialize this unique technology and scale production of its products. Algenol has recently commenced initial operations of a pilot commercial module at its Florida development campus, which builds on the successful launch of a demonstration project in India.<\/p>\n

Algae Systems<\/h4>\n

Algae Systems LLC completed demonstration of a new biofuel production approach<\/a> in early-August jointly with Japans IHI Corporation. The process is based on the conversion of algae and wastewater to energy and clean water. A demonstration plant, located in Daphne Alabama, combines wastewater with algae to produce the worlds first energy-generating wastewater treatment process, using carbon-negative technologies. This process will yield both bio-fuel and drinking water.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.biofuelsdigest.com\/bdigest\/2014\/08\/20\/algae-systems-completes-demonstration-of-new-process\/<\/p>\n

Algae.Tec<\/h4>\n

In March, following successful algae growth trials, Algae.Tec commenced the expansion<\/a> of its development and manufacturing facilities in Cumming, Georgia and the building of an initial small scale plant for the production of algae for the nutraceutical market. On completion, scheduled to be within 6 months, it is expected that this initial plant will produce algae at the rate of 50,000 kilos of algae per year and generate revenues of $1 million per year. It is planned that this initial production will be increased in stages to achieve a total production capacity up to 2,000,000 kilos per year.<\/p>\n

The Company\u2019s algae development and manufacturing centre in Cumming, GA. is an ideal location for implementing this initial plant, taking advantage of the significant resources already in place and the readily accessible market. Incremental expansions of algae production capacity in Cumming will be funded by generated cash flow and equity, and will be followed by plants in different geographic locations including Australia.<\/p>\n

Alltech Algae<\/h4>\n

Last June, Alltech commenced construction this week on an algae production plant on the same premises as Alltech Sao Pedro, the largest yeast plant for animal nutrition in the world. This new $63 million investment in Brazil will generate more than 200 direct and indirect jobs, and it will increase Alltech\u2019s Latin America production by 58 percent.<\/p>\n

Alltech produces heterotrophic algae, grown in closed stainless steel fermenters. This production practice allows for total control of the process, ensuring traceability, consistency and strict contamination control.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.alltech.com\/news\/news-articles\/2014\/06\/12\/alltech-builds-algae-plant-expands-production-latin-america<\/p>\n

In 2011, Alltech Algae cut the ribbon on its new $200 million plant<\/a> in Winchester, Kentucky.\u00a0 The plant was acquired in 2010 from Martek Bioscience Corporation for approximately $14 million and has been renovated in the past few months to begin in April as what Alltech calls one of the largest algae production sites in the world.<\/p>\n

The primary focus of the facility will be the development of products derived from algae. The algae will be used for value-added feed products, algae-derived bio-fuel and the production of ethanol.<\/p>\n

Aquafuel<\/h4>\n

Aquafuel\u2019s algae fuel was used to power the world\u2019s first electric Grand Prix series showcasing zero emission technologies<\/a>. Formula E\u2019s sustainability manger Julia Pall\u00e9 told BusinessGreen the championship organizers have signed a deal with U.K. startup Aquafuel to supply generators powered by glycerine, a byproduct of biodiesel that also can be produced from saltwater algae. Organizers had hoped to have 10 teams compete in 10 \u201cePrix\u201d in the first season, but planned events in Rio and Mexico City have fallen through.<\/p>\n

Working with the UK\u2019s leading fuel company Greenergy, Aquafuel has developed new technology<\/a> for the combustion of glycerine in standard diesel generators. Located in the paddock, these generators will be used at all ePrix with the sole purpose of ensuring the Formula E cars are charged quickly, safely, fairly and without producing CO2 emissions.<\/p>\n

Using a single generator, all 40 cars can be charged from flat to full in 50 minutes and with automated precise power controls, can be relied upon to ensure no car is given additional power.<\/p>\n

Aurora Algae<\/h4>\n

Aurora Algae is a producer of high-performance, premium algae-based products for the functional food and beverage, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical markets. The Company has developed the industry\u2019s first commercial-scale photosynthetic platform for sustainable, algae-based product development. Aurora Algae\u2019s proprietary algae strains and production system uses marginal land, seawater and captured carbon pollution from industrial emitters, resulting in more capitally efficient and more environmentally sustainable algae farming, harvesting and processing.<\/p>\n

In June 2014, the company began a deep investigation of South Texas<\/a> as a location for the first commercial plant, and the portfolio was further sharpened, essentially to put fuels on the back burner for some time to come, and focus on omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids as a first commercial project.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Texas\u2019 aquaculture and shrimp farming center, near Brownsville, could use the lift. As Granvil Treece wrote in the 2014 guide to the Texas Aquaculture Industry:<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the last 21 years, the Texas marine shrimp industry has produced 94.5 million pounds of shrimp with a farm-gate value of $244.3M, contributing an estimated $1.466B to the state\u2019s economy. However, the farm-gate price has been low since 2004, recovered somewhat in 2007 and 2008, but farm-gate prices are still\u00a0 limiting interest in shrimp farming with low prices being experienced.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bioamin<\/h4>\n

Bioamin is a Mexican biotechnology enterprise dedicated to the investigation, development and production of suytainable agriculture products.<\/p>\n

In May 2014, we reported that Bioamin was experimenting with biodiesel production from fresh water microalgaes<\/a>, saying that doing so is more energetically efficient as well as cheaper than other alternatives while also being less harmful to the environment. The company is using an ultrasound process to extract the oil from the plants.<\/p>\n

BioProcess Algae<\/h4>\n

BioProcess Algae LLC is based in Omaha, Neb. and is currently running a demonstration plant at the Green Plains Inc. ethanol plant<\/a> in Shenandoah, Iowa. Grower Harvester bioreactors installed in Shenandoah are tied directly into the plant\u2019s CO2 exhaust gas and have been operating continuously since inoculation in October 2009.\u00a0The company serves five markets: Animal Feed, Nutraceuticals, Fish Feed, Chemicals and Fuel.<\/p>\n

Right now the company has completed its \u201cPhase III\u201d system that broke ground in February 2012 and is operating as a small commercial facility \u2014 but we haven\u2019t seen firm dates and plans for the very large installments that the technology is capable of and to which the parent companies ultimately aspire. So, we\u2019re in wait-and-see mode. If you know much about Green Plains, they\u2019re not, shall we say, a \u201cscience project\u201d company, so you can count on the\u00a0technology not getting\u00a0scaled until the partners are confident that the fundamental economics have been optimized. We\u2019ve never actually seen Green Plains staff picking up nickels in parking lots, but if there\u2019s a nickel in a bottle of CO2 or hiding underneath a biofilm, they\u2019re going to find it.<\/p>\n

Long-time CEO Tim Burns gave up the day-to-day oversight of the company, taking a board seat role \u2014 and the company is now essentially managed out of Omaha, Nebraska where Green Plains is headquartered.<\/p>\n

Cellana<\/h4>\n

Cellana\u2019s patented ALDUO system enables economic, sustainable, and consistent production of photosynthetic, non-GMO algae at industrial scale. Cellana intends to construct and operate commercial facilities<\/a> to produce these products as integrated algae-based biorefineries. To date, over $100 million has been invested in developing Cellana\u2019s algae strains, patented and proprietary production technologies, and its Kona Demonstration Facility.<\/p>\n

Last summer, the US Department of Energy announced<\/a> $3.5 million for a Cellana algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels. Cellana was selected to develop a fully integrated, high-yield algae feedstock production system by integrating the most advanced strain improvement, cultivation, and processing technologies into their operations at their Kona Demonstration Facility.<\/p>\n

Why significant? This is the first major grant award for algae to a multi-product biorefinery with Omega-3s as the high-value co-product. \u00a0(ATP3 maybe counts, but it wasn\u2019t direct to Cellana.) \u00a0One observer noted, \u201cDOE has come a long way in broadening their perspectives on how one can scale to achieve both\u00a0commercial quantities of\u00a0biofuels and profits simultaneously, rather than one at a time.<\/p>\n

Cyanotech<\/h4>\n

Cyanotech Corporation produces BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin and Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica\u2014all natural, functional nutrients that leverage our experience and reputation for quality, building nutritional brands which promote health and well-being. Cyanotech\u2019s spirulina, FDA reviewed and accepted as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a food ingredient, augments energy and immune response. BioAstin\u2019s benefits derive from its superior antioxidant activity and from its ability to fight free radical damage and combat ongoing oxidative stress, enhancing skin, muscle and joint health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last month, Cyanotech reported that its new Astaxanthin extraction system<\/a> has been installed at Cyanotech\u2019s production facility at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and is in operation. After harvest, the microalgae biomass historically had been shipped to the US mainland and New Zealand where the Astaxanthin has been extracted and readied for final product form before being shipped back to Hawaii. This process added several weeks to production time and significant costs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Earthrise Nutritionals<\/h4>\n

Earthrise\u2019s farm is the world\u2019s largest Spirulina farm, and together with our sister company\u2019s farm in China, DIC group is the largest Spirulina producer in the world. The Farm is located in the Sonoran Desert of southeastern California far from highways, airports and cities. Our Spirulina is grown under controlled without the use of pesticides and herbicides .<\/p>\n

A wholly owned subsidiary of DIC, Earthrise Nutritionals, based in Irvine, California, is a Spirulina production and sales company with an annual yield of approximately 500 tons. The company\u2019s outdoor algae cultivation facility, which covers a total area of 180,000 square meters, is the world\u2019s largest. Earthrise is the only company in the continental United States to succeed in the mass cultivation of algae outdoors.<\/p>\n

This August is the scheduled completion date of a new\u00a0extraction plant<\/a> for Linablue, Spirulina-derived natural blue food coloring. Construction of the plant,\u00a0which is located on the site of subsidiary Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC, the DIC Group\u2019s U.S. Spirulina*\u00a0production base, began in May 2014. After commissioning, commercial production is expected to begin in\u00a0September. The new facility gives the parent DIC Group \u201cthe world\u2019s largest and most stable supply of the highest-grade Spirulina natural blue food\u00a0coloring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Euglena<\/h4>\n

The company aims to \u201cresearch, develop, produce and market microalgae<\/a> with a strong focus on euglena. Euglena is a single celled organism (microalgae) that can photosynthesize using its chloroplasts and extensive research has been conducted for its effective use. Euglena, which contains most of the nutrients required for human survival, is expected to be used effectively in functional foods and cosmetics.\u201d<\/p>\n

In June 2014, we reported that Izuzu Motors has teamed with Euglena Co<\/a>. to develop a new kind of drop-in fuels from algae, with the technology expected to be on the market by 2018. Euglena has already been developing jet fuel from algae with ANA Airlines.<\/p>\n

Evodos<\/h4>\n

Evodos is the developer and manufacturer of \u201cDynamic Settlers,\u201dfast rotating equipment to separate fine particles from one or more liquids. The working principle of these Dynamic Settlers is Evodos proprietary separation technology, called Spiral Plate Technology.\u00a0Applications range from highly diluted soft particles like algae to abrasive mixtures like saturated drilling fluids from the oil industry. Evodos equipment is sold either directly or through dealers. The company\u00a0is based in Raamsdonksveer, The Netherlands.<\/p>\n

In April 2013, Heliae announced a partnership with Evodos<\/a>\u00a0to offer its proprietary Spiral Plate Technology to North America. With this deal in place, Heliae has a license to distribute the Evodos technology with a focus on the North American markets. Heliae will be including Evodos harvesting technology in its new commercial facility scheduled for completion in Q3 2013, but will begin distribution for Evodos immediately. The Evodos harvesting process delivers a dewatered live algae paste that is over 98 percent free of extracellular water and extremely stable for product development.<\/p>\n

Fermentalg<\/h4>\n

In May, Fermentalg announced that it has passed the symbolic mark<\/a> of one tonne of DHA-rich (Omega 3) oil produced using its patented technology for growing microalgae in a predominantly heterotrophic, mixotrophic environment.<\/p>\n

The oil was produced at an industrial site adapted to the technology in 2 runs during the first days of April 2015. Fermentalg was also able to reduce the length of the batch production cycle by 10% to further improve its yield performance. All told, over two tonnes of dry biomass were produced, which contain around a tonne of DHA-rich oil that is currently being extracted bringing oil production to date to well over the tonne mark. This success confirms Fermentalg\u2019s robust technology and capacity to meet the industrial challenges of mass production (scale-up).<\/p>\n

Fuji Chemical<\/h4>\n

In January 2014, natural algae astaxanthin manufacturers Fuji Chemical Industry Co, Algatechnologies Ltd, and Cyanotech Corporation announced<\/a> that they will form the \u201cNatural Algae Astaxanthin Association,\u201d a trade organization dedicated to educating the public and dietary supplement industry about the health benefits of Natural Astaxanthin and the major differences between sources.<\/p>\n

These three founding members will welcome other algae-based astaxanthin producers to the Association in the near future. The association is being formed in response to the petrochemical derived synthetic astaxanthin, which is now being marketed.<\/p>\n

Green Star Products<\/h4>\n

During the fourth quarter of 2014,<\/a> Green Star Products signed a contract to build a large proprietary demonstration Hybrid Algae Production System (HAPS) facility for a third party to produce commercial quality algae.<\/p>\n

This contract is very specific for GSPI to build and operate the HAPS system. However, the algae strains to be cultivated will be provided by another third party and the final algae biomass commercial product will be delivered to the original client for analysis and utilization. The facility is a premium showcase algae pond system located near South Las Vegas Boulevard in Las Vegas, Nevada.<\/p>\n

This project is strictly a commercial research demonstration unit funded by the client using Green Star technology. The HAPS presently under construction by GSPI is approximately 70,000 liters capacity of algae growth media.<\/p>\n

Heliae<\/h4>\n

LastAugust, The Digest reported that CFO Craig Johnson became<\/a> interim chief executive officer of Heliae, and highlighted the product mix for The Digest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe call them GP1, GP2, and GP3,\u201d Johnson told the Digest. \u201cGP1 is astaxanthin, which we are already working on and producing in Gilbert. Our [astaxanthin] JV in Japan [with Sincere Corporation] is still moving forward, we are working through design and development at this time; everything is on track. We are doing some further refining for the scale-up of the nutraceutical process, and we expect we\u2019ll be in commercial operation by year-end.<\/p>\n

\u201cGP2 is our Volaris technology. We\u2019re focusing on AgScience opportunities there. Right now, we\u2019ve got two products identified, a biostimulant and a plant protection product. The first one, the biostimulant, enhances the germination and makes the plant stronger. The other is for protection as it grows. There\u2019s huge customer demand, based in the need to move away from chemicals to organic growth stimulants.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Volaris, we are working through the scale-up, it\u2019s more about optimization, making sure we are coming up with the right size and dimension. Normal things with a scale-up. There aren\u2019t any 90-degree turns. Pricing varies pretty widely. Right now [with Volaris], we\u2019re more in demonstration mode than active commercial production.<\/p>\n

\u201cGP3 is food and feed additives. Our first product is MAA product. \u201cWe\u2019re still looking at which reactor we\u2019ll use with the MAA product \u2014 Volaris or tank reactors. We haven\u2019t landed on which is the right platform. This sector is in the earliest stage of the technology, of the three. We\u2019ve had limited success with tanks so far.<\/p>\n

In May, Heliae announced ground breaking at an expansion project at its ten acre production plant in Gilbert, Arizona. Heliae had invested nearly $3 million in the design and construction of a new large enclosed photo bioreactor, which will further increase the company\u2019s algal production capabilities. Construction began in May, 2015 and is expected to be operational this month.<\/p>\n

In July 2014, Heliae announced a joint venture<\/a> with top Japanese waste management and recycling company, Sincere Corporation, to develop a commercial algae production facility in Saga City, Japan. The joint venture has been named Alvita Corporation, and will combine Sincere Corporation\u2019s operational skill, distribution networks and knowledge of the Japanese market with Heliae\u2019s proprietary algae production technology to supply natural astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant with broad health benefits, to the growing health and wellness market in the region. Late in 2014, Heliae shipped to Saga City a complete pilot-sized test facility to carry out initial site assessment tests to assess our plans for the new facility. The test facility consists of 6 open pond reactors housed inside a locally built greenhouse (see figures, below). Along with the reactors, a fully functioning laboratory was shipped for analysis of culture growth parameters.<\/p>\n

IHI NeoG Algae<\/h4>\n

In January 2014, we reported that IHI NeoG Algae said it has cut the price of algae production by half to $4.8 per liter in part thanks to improvements in breeding<\/a>. Through breed improvement and automation, the company is working to bring the production cost down to 96 cents per liter. The algae species was developed by Gene & Gene Technology and is being grown in IHI\u2019s pond.<\/p>\n

Missing Link Technology<\/h4>\n

Last October, Missing Link Technology was awarded<\/a> patents for its deep water growth, harvesting, oils extraction, and biocrude extraction integrated suite of solutions.<\/p>\n

1) MicGro Deep Water Reactor\/Process: A engineered system of a series of one to ten foot deep water bioreactors configured in a stirred tank followed by a plug flow process flow design that generates algae biomass growth rates on an exponentially superior basis.<\/p>\n

2) Shepherd Harvester: Harvesting process that eliminates the requirement to pump large volumes of water \/ hydraulic transport and concentrates mature algae cells to increase harvesting potential.<\/p>\n

3) Alginator: A high pressure \/ high shear continuous system designed for extracting DHA\/Omega oils from algae by employing rapid non-equilibrium decompression which harnessing the energy from within the algae cells to rupture and capture the oils for market.\u00a0 Design maximizes oil extraction while being the low-cost low-energy solution.<\/p>\n

4) Algaefaction: Hydrothermal Liquefaction is a continuous process that converts algae biomass directly into crude oil by utilizing a combination of pressure ranges, temperature ranges and a proprietary catalyst suitable for meeting our transportation fuel needs.<\/p>\n

Muradel<\/h4>\n

Taking in algae, biomass and organic waste streams, Muradel is using Green2Black<\/a>, a suite of state of the art harvesting, extraction and sub-critical water reactor technologies, to produce \u201cgreen crude\u201d \u2013 green environmentally, but black in color like its fossil crude equivalent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe feedstocks do not compete with the food chain and have no or low fresh water requirements. And Green2Black is an efficient closed-loop process that recycles its waste products,\u201d Muradel\u2019s team points out.<\/p>\n

According to the company, \u201cGreen2Black is commercially scalable, ready to serve the growing demand in Australia and globally for renewable \u201cdrop-in\u201d transportation fuels which are compatible with existing fuel infrastructure.\u201d\u00a0Last November, Muradel launched its integrated demonstration plant to convert algae into green crude in Whyalla. The $10.7 million plant will produce 30,000 liters per year and represents the company\u2019s first step toward an 80 million liter per year commercial scale plant.<\/p>\n

Murdel\u2019s technology, Green2Black, uses microalgae produced on site, plant biomass, and organic waste in an energy-efficient subcritical water reactor that converts the feedstock to crude oil in minutes.\u00a0The demonstration plant was partially funded through a $4.4 million grant from Australian Renewable Energy Agency. Additional in-kind and financial support came from the\u00a0Whyalla City Council, the South Australian Government through\u00a0BioSA, and Muradel\u2019s shareholders. The plant is the first of its kind in Australia.<\/p>\n

OriginClear<\/h4>\n

OriginClear\u2019s water cleanup technology, called Electro Water Separation (EWS), is a high-speed, primarily chemical-free process that efficiently extracts insoluble inorganic and organic particulates from very large quantities of water. EWS focuses on the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in the water, to maximize the clarity of effluent water for downstream operations. Some of the solids, such as petroleum and algae, are valuable products in themselves. EWS therefore delivers a dual value to operators.<\/p>\n

In January, OriginOil announced that it is collaborating with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) of the U.S. Department of Energy<\/a>. A proposed project focuses on development and implementation of novel approaches to improve efficiency in algal biofuel production.<\/p>\n

Together, OriginOil and INL have submitted a proposal in response to a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB). The TABB FOA seeks alternative pathways to overcome two of the key barriers to commercializing algal biofuels: the high cost of producing algal biomass and the low yield of target biofuel and bioproduct feedstocks produced from algae.<\/p>\n

Last September, the company announced it would provide algae harvesting technology for the low-cost algae growth system from Algasol Renewables. The integrated system will launch at Algasol\u2019s new facilities in Bangladesh \u2014 a unique, large-scale demonstration of micro-algae production for fish feed.\u00a0 Initially, the site will cover 6.5 acres, and be capable of producing approximately 25 tonnes of micro-algae per month. Algasol recently launched a showcase site on the island of Mallorca, Spain. Algasol Renewables estimates that algae can be produced for feed using its proprietary technology at industry-low prices, and is negotiating agreements for micro-financing to help large numbers of small farmers in the low-lying delta region of Bangladesh roll out this complete growth and pelletizing system.<\/p>\n

Pond Biofuels<\/h4>\n

Pond Biofuels converts raw smokestack emissions from heavy industry into algal biomass. Algal biomass has value. One tonne of algae can yield 100 litres or more of diesel, and the residual biomass can be used as a renewable coal substitute.<\/p>\n

Last July, we reported that St Marys Cement is investing in an algae-based biodiesel system<\/a> that will be implemented by Pond Biofuels to help reduce the facility\u2019s greenhouse gas emissions. For every kilogram of algae produced, 2kg of CO2 are mitigated. Though the Pond system only uses a small amount of the 540,000 metric tons of CO2 produced every year, the 25,000 liter pilot plant at the facility can grow up to six generations of algae per day thanks to LED technology.<\/p>\n

Renewable Algal Energy<\/h4>\n

RAE has operated a two-acre demonstration site in Arizona for five years. Recently, RAE commissioned its patented harvester to demonstrate efficient algae harvesting without the use of chemicals. The harvester will support up to 100 acres of algae production in open ponds, and harvest 2,200 metric tons of dried algal biomass annually. RAE is working with a project developer to deploy RAE Technology at the first of multiple commodity-scale (5,000 acres) production sites in North America; such a site will have a total expected annual production capacity of more than 140,000 metric tons of dried algal biomass. Algal biomass from this future site will be used to sustainably produce algal oil for Neste Oil, and multiple other valuable co-products, including protein powder, omega-3s, and carotenoids. The natural carotenoid products include beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin, for use in nutraceuticals. In addition, RAE\u2019s algal biomass is an excellent source of high-quality protein, lipids and carotenoids for animal feed applications, which are especially interesting for aquaculture diets.<\/p>\n

Last August, Renewable Algal Energy said that Q4 2014 is the target date<\/a> for the first RAE commercial algal production systems, producing products for the nutraceutical, animal nutrition, and renewable fuels markets \u2014 adding that ABB will supply control systems, instrumentation, low voltage electrical equipment and variable speed drives that will help those integrated algal production systems operate efficiently and reliably.<\/p>\n

In June 2014, RAE announced a contingent off-take agreement<\/a> with Neste Oil, the world\u2019s largest producer of renewable diesel. This agreement will enable Neste Oil to purchase RAE\u2019s crude algae oil on a commercial scale for use as a feedstock for producing renewable fuel, and is contingent on RAE\u2019s future production capacity and on compliance with future biofuel legislation in the EU and US, among other factors. The agreement between RAE and Neste Oil is non-exclusive and allows each company to enter into additional agreements with other parties.<\/p>\n

Sapphire Energy<\/h4>\n

Sapphire is a venture capital backed company founded in 2007 for the purpose<\/a> of growing and processing micro-algae into products that serve very large and diverse markets where the unique attributes of algae provide valuable solutions. Sapphire\u2019s world-leading technology uses sunlight, CO2, non-potable water, non-arable land, nutrients, and novel strains of algae in outdoor ponds to produce algae which we then convert into high-value oils, aquaculture and animal feeds, fuels and other valuable products.<\/p>\n

Sapphire has three facilities across California and New Mexico. In 2010, the company began construction of the world\u2019s first commercial demonstration algae-to-energy farm in Columbus, New Mexico, a project backed by a grant from the United States Department of Energy and a loan guarantee from the United States Department of Agriculture. Construction of Phase 1 was completed on-time and on-budget in 2012, and the company paid back the USDA loan guarantee in 2013.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a different day at Sapphire, as the company has recently followed Solazyme and others from a focus on algae biofuels to a portfolio approach including algal oils for nutraceutical applications, protein and fuel.<\/p>\n

But not entirely different, as the company had never definitively annoucned whether it was going to make fuels from lipid oils or from the whole algae biomass \u2014 which always left the question of what to do with all that protein.<\/p>\n

Last July, Sapphire brought in Jamie Levine as CEO, a former Goldman exec who took the reins at Verenium in 2009 after Carlos Riva\u2019s departure, and immediately cemented a reputation there as a consummate dealmaker.<\/p>\n

Levine told the Digest last summer:\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m coming in with a supportive investor group, instead of [as with Verenium] long short hedge funds owning more than $100 million of the company\u2019s debt and equity instruments. There\u2019s been a thoughtful process on how to capitalize this company. What the two companies share is that they both have an incredible technology and platform and the question is: how do we get the most value for the company, the employees, the potential partners. I\u2019m an MBA, not a tech guy, and I\u2019m not going to find new places to build technology and new areas to take this platform. What\u2019s the value here today, is the question. The Sinopec partnership is an example of what has to come. You can\u2019t do great things alone, you\u00a0have to work with others well, and find the right kinds of partnership. It\u2019s about getting the right motivations for a partnership, which starts with recognizing that Sapphire has a lot of solutions to very big problems, and we have to find those partners for who we can solve that problem.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, who has a problem for which green crude is the solution? China is one geography of several where that could prove to be the case. It\u2019s not just picking an illustrious name, but finding partners who really are invested.\u201d<\/p>\n

Schott<\/h4>\n

In May, SCHOTT North America announced that its new oval glass tubes for photobioreactors (PBRs) increased maximum dry biomass output per day<\/a> by more than 22 percent in its latest study in partnership with Heliae, a technology-driven algae production company. For the first time, SCHOTT\u2019s round glass tubes were retrofitted with oval tubes in Heliae\u2019s Helix\u2122 seed PBR. An indoor study over multiple cycles in several months found that the algae growth rate per volume increased by more than 45 percent, while the oval shape reduces the total internal volume of PBR tubes by 15 percent compared to standard circular tubes resulting in the overall output-increase stated above.<\/p>\n

Last September, Schott and Algatech signed<\/a> an extension of their R&D agreement covering thin-walled DURAN glass tubes glass tubes for Algatech\u2019s algae production facility, that have \u201csignificantly improved cultivation efficiency in the yields of Algatech\u2019s AstaPure natural astaxanthin.\u201d A dedicated section of Algatech\u2019s factory in the Arava Desert will serve as a beta site for advanced glass components developed by SCHOTT for implementation in PBRs.<\/p>\n

Solazyme<\/h4>\n

Solazyme is a renewable oil and bioproducts company<\/a> that transforms a range of low-cost plant-based sugars into high-value oils. Headquartered in South San Francisco, Solazyme\u2019s renewable products can replace or enhance oils derived from the world\u2019s three existing sources \u2013 petroleum, plants and animal fats. Initially, Solazyme is focused on commercializing its products into three target markets: (1) fuels and chemicals, (2) nutrition and (3) skin and personal care.<\/p>\n

Bottom line, in February the Digest noted, \u201cMoema\u2019s delayed, the big volumes are now in 2016 or 2017, so Solazyme\u2019s shifting to higher margin, lower-volume markets.\u201d Though the big power and steam problem with Moema has since been resolved.<\/p>\n

The stock went into freefall after this strategic shift, even after a signature partnership with Versalis was announced to commercialize Encapso dilling oils. Versalis said that its initial emphasis for Encapso will be oil and gas fields operated by its parent company Eni, which represent a significant amount of the world\u2019s petroleum drilling activity. Encapso will be featured as part of the company\u2019s recently launched Specialty Oilfield Chemicals product portfolio.<\/p>\n

Those are timing issues for investors \u2014 and legitimate for their purposes, of course. But let\u2019s focus on the larger story here \u2014 while significant ramp-up risk is out there for the long-term, investors have priced in almost zero revenue growth next year, at this stock price, if we take the Cowen & Company analysis which pegged a $4 target price to 15% growth. Which makes this an opportunity for those who see in the Eni deal the means of revenue growth that investors have discounted for the near-term.<\/p>\n

This month,\u00a0Natura Cosm\u00e9ticos and Solazyme announced that Natura is purchasing Solazyme\u2019s high-performance AlgaP\u016br Microalgae Oil<\/a>, which will be incorporated into Natura\u2019s multiple product lines.The move follows one year of testing and product validation using Solazyme\u2019s AlgaP\u016br oils, which offer \u201chigher hydration levels, a silky but not greasy skin feel, mildness on the skin, neutral color and odor, and improved shelf life.\u201d Natura and Solazyme have been working together for two years on several projects on joint efforts to develop new formulations with Solazyme\u2019s microalgae oils. Specific purchase volumes were not disclosed by the partners.<\/p>\n

In other news, in April we learned that Solazyme\u2019s oils were instrumental<\/a> in creating the world\u2019s first algae-based, sustainable surfboard. Solazyme supplied its innovative algal oil to scientists at UC San Diego, who in turn used these sustainable oils to create an algae-based surfboard. The surfboard was publicly unveiled and presented to San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer just before Earth Day.<\/p>\n

Solix<\/h4>\n

Solix Biosystems, Inc. was founded in 2006 with a vision of realizing the full commercial potential of photosynthetic microalgae.\u00a0 Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, Solix Biosystems has developed and deployed a robust algal growth system that is based on its proprietary extended-surface area closed photobioreactor panels.\u00a0 The technology is applicable to a broad range of microalgae species.<\/p>\n

The Company has operated its demonstration facility in southwestern Colorado for multiple years, confirming the technology\u2019s reliability, industry leading volumetric productivity, and scalability.\u00a0 Coupled with an experienced leadership team and committed international investors, the Company is now poised to exploit its technology in the development and production of multiple high-value specialty algal products for the nutrition, personal care and aquaculture markets.<\/p>\n

In January 2014, formeer Calera president Austin Maguire was named as CEO.<\/p>\n

Triton Algae (Triton Health & Nutrition)<\/h4>\n

Triton Health and Nutrition owns and develops the \u201dPhycoLogix Platform\u201d<\/a> which \u201cimprove animal and human health without the use of antibiotics or hormones, instead relying on highly effective natural proteins, activating mammal\u2019s innate defense systems to prevent infection and reduce morbidity and mortality.\u201d<\/p>\n

After completing work on MAA, Triton began developing other biologic molecules to insert into the PhycoLogix Platform. Not only has Triton extended the platform to other proteins, but many additional types of complex molecules have been produced in this platform, including enzymes and metabolic products. These products are derived from multiple classes of proteins, including antibacterials, antioxidants, chelators, and calcium binders. Each of these proteins is valuable in multiple markets as well, spanning therapeutics, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.<\/p>\n

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