OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, announced that industry attendees welcomed its launch of algae expert services at a recent gathering of the National Algae Association, highlighted in videos posted at originoil.com/NAA2010.
“For the past three years, hundreds of large companies, entrepreneurs, development agencies and investors have asked for our help in launching their algae programs,” said OriginOil CEO, Riggs Eckelberry. “With our own products now hitting the market, our veterans in production, processing and commercialization can help this global industry achieve its very real potential to overtake petroleum.”
Ken Reynolds, vice president of commercialization, made the presentation, which is available at originoil.com/expertservices2010. Attendees spotlighted in videos at last week’s National Algae Association’s Algae Commercialization, Research and Business Networking Forum in Houston, TX welcomed the new program.
“Analyzing it ahead of time so you can make informed judgments as to what direction you’re going to go to… that makes a lot more sense than doing it by experimentation,” said Paul Hoar, President of AgriFuels LLC. “We and our customers are just getting into the algae business right now; I would certainly consider OriginOil for bringing its services to the table.”
“There’s a recognition by OriginOil that there are certain products and services that the algae industry needs,” commented Doug DiLillo, a marketer of industrial bio technology at Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL). “To take the cumulative knowledge that the company and its members have, and then to use that knowledge to help guide those in the industry that have projects, is a very worthwhile way to position the company.”
OriginOil has quietly added new executives to handle the new business, including Reynolds, with over twenty years’ experience in strategy, competitive analysis and product marketing, and Jose Sanchez, vice president of growth and production, an industry-recognized algaeculturist and large-scale algae systems manager. Other team members, including OriginOil CTO Brian Goodall PhD and Consulting Scientist Vikram Pattarkine PhD, will add their expertise as prescribed.
The services will range from initial feasibility studies, through full launch planning, to commercialization help for existing algae players. Typically they will be delivered on a flat-price model. The Expert Services unit is strictly vendor-neutral.
“Algae production is incredibly diverse and requires a variety of multi-vendor solutions,” said Jose Sanchez, vice president of growth and production. “I have the clear mandate from management to prescribe what our clients will need, whether it is an OriginOil technology or not.”
“Our vendor-neutral policy will help us develop marketing opportunities for our customers,” added Reynolds. “This is where our work gets super-exciting, as we help grow a global industry by connecting all of its players.”
Source : Press Release
See Also :
OriginOil Delivers Second Product To Strategic Customer
OriginOil Announces Breakthrough Hydrogen Harvester Invention
OriginOil signs agreement with U.S. DOE
September 30, 2010
September 28, 2010
Governor Jan Brewer Dedicates Funding to Advance Algae Technologies and Innovations
Arizona is poised to become a major player in the multi-billion dollar algaebiofuel industry, and Governor Jan Brewer today dedicated two million dollars to support important research and development that promises to develop alternative fuels and propel the state’s economy into the future. Several hundred of the world’s leading energy scientists and industry representatives gathered for the announcement during the Algal Biomass Organization’s national conference, which is taking place this week in Phoenix.
“Our state has the potential to be a national and global leader in algae research and biotechnology, reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuel while increasing opportunities in a new industry that will create promising new jobs for Arizonans,” said Governor Brewer. “Science Foundation Arizona funded early state work in Algal research; now combined with excellence at ASU, our state will build on this important research and commercialization opportunity.”
In awarding the funding, Governor Brewer called on Science Foundation Arizona to lead the state effort in support of a new Arizona Center for Algae Technologies and Innovations.
"We thank Governor Brewer for her leadership and dedication to innovative technologies - this infusion of funding to the AzCATI will go a long way toward moving Arizona into the forefront for 'green' technologies research and development, eventually bringing these products to market," said William C. Harris, president and CEO of Science Foundation Arizona. "Arizona has the potential to become the hub of all sustainable industries, particularly when there is this type of public support."
Research and development with algae provides a 21st-century alternative fuel source to power cars, trucks and planes. Researchers at Arizona State University are at the forefront of developing new methods to extract oil-rich algae strains and turn it into biodiesel and aviation fuel.
“ASU has emerged as one of the leading national centers on algae research,” said Rick Shangraw, senior vice president for Knowledge Enterprise Development at ASU. ”ASU has the research expertise and capabilities to influence advances in algal technologies to realize largescale production of algae-derived fuel in the near future.”
"Arizona's future is bright green and it's because algae innovations are going to help clean air and water, fuel transportation, feed livestock, and grow good jobs," said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Benjamin H. Grumbles.
The 4th annual Algae Biomass Summit is being held at the JW Marriott in Phoenix through September 30.
Funding for this project is derived from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) discretionary monies are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)of 2009.
Source : Press Release
“Our state has the potential to be a national and global leader in algae research and biotechnology, reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuel while increasing opportunities in a new industry that will create promising new jobs for Arizonans,” said Governor Brewer. “Science Foundation Arizona funded early state work in Algal research; now combined with excellence at ASU, our state will build on this important research and commercialization opportunity.”
In awarding the funding, Governor Brewer called on Science Foundation Arizona to lead the state effort in support of a new Arizona Center for Algae Technologies and Innovations.
"We thank Governor Brewer for her leadership and dedication to innovative technologies - this infusion of funding to the AzCATI will go a long way toward moving Arizona into the forefront for 'green' technologies research and development, eventually bringing these products to market," said William C. Harris, president and CEO of Science Foundation Arizona. "Arizona has the potential to become the hub of all sustainable industries, particularly when there is this type of public support."
Research and development with algae provides a 21st-century alternative fuel source to power cars, trucks and planes. Researchers at Arizona State University are at the forefront of developing new methods to extract oil-rich algae strains and turn it into biodiesel and aviation fuel.
“ASU has emerged as one of the leading national centers on algae research,” said Rick Shangraw, senior vice president for Knowledge Enterprise Development at ASU. ”ASU has the research expertise and capabilities to influence advances in algal technologies to realize largescale production of algae-derived fuel in the near future.”
"Arizona's future is bright green and it's because algae innovations are going to help clean air and water, fuel transportation, feed livestock, and grow good jobs," said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Benjamin H. Grumbles.
The 4th annual Algae Biomass Summit is being held at the JW Marriott in Phoenix through September 30.
Funding for this project is derived from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) discretionary monies are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)of 2009.
Source : Press Release
September 23, 2010
BASF And Solix Biofuels Collaborate To Produce Specialty Chemicals From Algae
BASF SE and Solix Biofuels, Inc. today announced that they have signed an agreement to investigate the use of algae to produce certain chemicals for BASF. Solix is a leading developer of algae cultivation technology systems and will test multiple algae species in its proprietary growth system, AGS™, for BASF. Further terms were not announced.
As the world’s leading chemical company, BASF is continuously exploring innovative technologies to provide products to its customers. The use of algae, which consume CO2 as part of their growth cycle, could potentially provide an attractive way to produce certain chemicals from a renewable source. “This collaboration with Solix Biofuels demonstrates BASF’s commitment to generate growth from industrial biotechnology,” said Harald Lauke, President of the Specialty Chemicals Research at BASF. “Algae represent a fascinating addition to BASF’s technology portfolio as they offer the potential to produce a number of exciting specialty products. After surveying the algae industry, we chose to work with Solix based on its knowledge of algal biology and the strength of its AGS.”
“We are excited to begin this important development with BASF,” said Doug Henston, Solix Biofuels’ CEO. “Algae offer the potential to produce a diversity of chemical products in addition to their fuel potential. We believe our AGS offers a high unique level of flexibility in its production capability, ideally suited for the ultimate large-scale cultivation of a broad range of algae species with multiple commercial applications. This partnership affords us the opportunity to work with a leader in the chemical industry to produce some unique chemical products from algae while continuing to pursue the production of fuel from algae.”
Source : Press Release
As the world’s leading chemical company, BASF is continuously exploring innovative technologies to provide products to its customers. The use of algae, which consume CO2 as part of their growth cycle, could potentially provide an attractive way to produce certain chemicals from a renewable source. “This collaboration with Solix Biofuels demonstrates BASF’s commitment to generate growth from industrial biotechnology,” said Harald Lauke, President of the Specialty Chemicals Research at BASF. “Algae represent a fascinating addition to BASF’s technology portfolio as they offer the potential to produce a number of exciting specialty products. After surveying the algae industry, we chose to work with Solix based on its knowledge of algal biology and the strength of its AGS.”
“We are excited to begin this important development with BASF,” said Doug Henston, Solix Biofuels’ CEO. “Algae offer the potential to produce a diversity of chemical products in addition to their fuel potential. We believe our AGS offers a high unique level of flexibility in its production capability, ideally suited for the ultimate large-scale cultivation of a broad range of algae species with multiple commercial applications. This partnership affords us the opportunity to work with a leader in the chemical industry to produce some unique chemical products from algae while continuing to pursue the production of fuel from algae.”
Source : Press Release
September 16, 2010
Renewable Algal Energy Awarded $3 Million From The Department Of Energy
Renewable Algal Energy of Kingsport, TN has been awarded $3 million to further their development of algal biodiesel via innovative harvesting and aquaculture systems, funded as part of DOE's Small Business Phase III Xlerator program.
The awards are meant to provide small innovative companies with the "staying power" they need to develop the processes that are necessary to reduce the manufacturing costs for their products and enable manufacturing at scale. Overcoming cost and scale challenges is critical for small businesses to successfully bring their ideas to the marketplace.
Source : Press Release
The awards are meant to provide small innovative companies with the "staying power" they need to develop the processes that are necessary to reduce the manufacturing costs for their products and enable manufacturing at scale. Overcoming cost and scale challenges is critical for small businesses to successfully bring their ideas to the marketplace.
Source : Press Release
September 15, 2010
Statoil & Bio Architecture Lab Partner to Commercialize Macroalgae-to-Ethanol Process in Norway
Statoil to provide direct funding for R&D demonstration phase and commercial scale-up in Norway
Bio Architecture Lab (BAL) and Statoil, one of the world’s largest offshore oil and gas producers, today announced a wide-ranging strategic partnership for the production of renewable, sustainable and low cost ethanol derived from macroalgae grown off the coast of Norway. Under terms of the agreement, Statoil will fund BAL’s research and development (R&D) and demonstration projects, and if successful, will also fund the commercialization of BAL’s technology in Norway and elsewhere in Europe. BAL will have the right to equity participation and will receive royalties on all ethanol and by-products produced by the partnership.
“This game changing partnership will allow Bio Architecture Lab to accelerate our path toward commercialization and establish our technology in key markets in Europe,” said Daniel Trunfio, CEO of Bio Architecture Lab. “The significant commitment of resources and funds from Statoil further validates BAL’s market opportunity and puts us with an elite group of companies in our industry who have partnered with established oil and gas companies to bring technology to market.”
During the initial phase of the partnership, BAL is responsible for developing the technology and process to convert Norwegian seaweed into ethanol. Statoil is responsible for developing and managing the seaweed aquafarming operations, with consultation from BAL, which already has aquafarming operations in Chile. Upon the successful achievement of key milestones, Statoil and BAL will develop a demonstration scale facility in Norway, which could potentially lead to large scale commercialization by Statoil in Norway and other parts of Europe.
“Statoil has a unique competitive advantage in energy production in the marine environment. We are very impressed with the science and the progress BAL has made and we believe their approach to low cost and sustainable biomass feedstock solutions is among the most promising we have seen,” said Guntis Aboltins-Abolins, Head of the Future Fuel unit at Statoil. “We look forward to partnering with BAL on such an important strategic initiative that has the potential to provide Europe with low carbon renewable fuels.”
Bio Architecture Lab was founded to address the huge market need for a low cost, scalable, and sustainable source of sugars for biofuel and renewable chemical production using aquafarmed, native macroalgae as a feedstock.
BAL has been building out a similar program off the coast of Chile as part of a program funded by the Chilean government. In addition, BAL has partnered with DuPont in a project funded by the Advanced Research Program Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) to convert macroalgae into isobutanol. In total, the company has received more than $34 million in funding, grants and strategic investments.
Source : Press Release
Bio Architecture Lab (BAL) and Statoil, one of the world’s largest offshore oil and gas producers, today announced a wide-ranging strategic partnership for the production of renewable, sustainable and low cost ethanol derived from macroalgae grown off the coast of Norway. Under terms of the agreement, Statoil will fund BAL’s research and development (R&D) and demonstration projects, and if successful, will also fund the commercialization of BAL’s technology in Norway and elsewhere in Europe. BAL will have the right to equity participation and will receive royalties on all ethanol and by-products produced by the partnership.
“This game changing partnership will allow Bio Architecture Lab to accelerate our path toward commercialization and establish our technology in key markets in Europe,” said Daniel Trunfio, CEO of Bio Architecture Lab. “The significant commitment of resources and funds from Statoil further validates BAL’s market opportunity and puts us with an elite group of companies in our industry who have partnered with established oil and gas companies to bring technology to market.”
During the initial phase of the partnership, BAL is responsible for developing the technology and process to convert Norwegian seaweed into ethanol. Statoil is responsible for developing and managing the seaweed aquafarming operations, with consultation from BAL, which already has aquafarming operations in Chile. Upon the successful achievement of key milestones, Statoil and BAL will develop a demonstration scale facility in Norway, which could potentially lead to large scale commercialization by Statoil in Norway and other parts of Europe.
“Statoil has a unique competitive advantage in energy production in the marine environment. We are very impressed with the science and the progress BAL has made and we believe their approach to low cost and sustainable biomass feedstock solutions is among the most promising we have seen,” said Guntis Aboltins-Abolins, Head of the Future Fuel unit at Statoil. “We look forward to partnering with BAL on such an important strategic initiative that has the potential to provide Europe with low carbon renewable fuels.”
Bio Architecture Lab was founded to address the huge market need for a low cost, scalable, and sustainable source of sugars for biofuel and renewable chemical production using aquafarmed, native macroalgae as a feedstock.
BAL has been building out a similar program off the coast of Chile as part of a program funded by the Chilean government. In addition, BAL has partnered with DuPont in a project funded by the Advanced Research Program Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) to convert macroalgae into isobutanol. In total, the company has received more than $34 million in funding, grants and strategic investments.
Source : Press Release