OriginOil, Inc. is among the sponsors of the upcoming BioEnergy Summit set for March 15, 2011, at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in PA.
With its theme of Innovative Technologies for an Energized Future!, the Summit will explore innovative nanotechnologies for bioenergy production and technologies for producing energy from wastewater. Additionally, the commercialization of technologies and processes used to produce bioenergy from a variety of biomass resources also highlights this half-day program.
Additional sponsors of the event, include the Lehigh Nanotechnology Network and Lehigh University.
The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. William Goldner of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). He will give an overview of the strategic thinking and programs USDA NIFA and other USDA agencies are using to address the sustainable production of biofuels, biopower, and biobased products. The programs include: regional systems-oriented programs that integrate research, education, and extension/outreach/technology transfer; pre-commercialization R&D for small businesses; and grant and loan guarantee programs for demonstration and commercialization.
Dr. Goldner will provide some examples of how businesses may use these programs to take part in this important renewable energy sector. He will discuss the need to include emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and waste water management in developing bioenergy and the need for a thoughtful integrated approach to grow bioenergy, water quality and availability management systems, and perhaps other emerging energy resources (e.g. natural gas) in Pennsylvania and the surrounding region without disrupting existing agricultural systems, natural resources, and rural communities.
Roundtable discussions will examine the business opportunities that can be cultivated, why sustainable energy solutions are as good for business as they are for the environment, and the importance of obtaining financial support to the commercialization process. Scientists, government officials, entrepreneurs and investors will discuss promising research, successful ventures, overcoming commercialization challenges and market-driven opportunities.
The program is set to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $35. More information is found online at http://www.HarrisburgU.edu/BioEnergySummit For additional information, email BioEnergy@HarrisburgU.edu or call Dr. Leena Pattarkine at 717.901.5168.
Harrisburg University is located at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg. The Harrisburg Parking Authority operates a garage accessible via Fourth Street. Cost for parking in the garage is $4.00 for 0-2 hours. Kiosk for parking accepts cash only. More information on parking rates and directions to the University are found online at http://www.harrisburgu.net/campuslife/directions.php#parking
January 23, 2011
January 21, 2011
OriginOil to Embed Its Technology into Industrial Algae Systems
OriginOil, Inc. announced it will focus on embedding its technology into industrial algae systems. The Company will continue to rely on a few strategic partners to help prove and scale the company’s extraction technology.
"Now that we’ve sharpened our technology focus, it's time to do the same for our business model," said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. "We now plan to embed our technology into the industrial algae systems that others build. We no longer plan to develop our own distribution channels, nor engage in any high-volume manufacturing."
Strategic partners like Australia's MBD Energy will help the Company scale up its technology, proving its value in the field. These commercial scale-up programs will avoid the large capital expense of pilot plants for OriginOil while technology agreements protect its intellectual property.
OriginOil will work with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to integrate its extraction technology into their branded systems. The OEM category encompasses manufacturers, distributors, engineering service firms, system integrators and also specialty operators in high-value markets such as nutritionals and beauty products. Certain OEMs will be selected as manufacturers of OriginOil's proprietary hardware.
On January 12 the company announced that future technology development efforts would concentrate on the 'midstream' of algae harvesting and extraction, a key industry challenge addressed by OriginOil's patent-pending processes.
"Algae is turning into a global industry that could someday replace petroleum," Eckelberry continued. "Focus is essential – in business as in technology – and you never want to compete with your natural partners."
"We aim to be the first to market," commented Scott Fraser, OriginOil's Vice President of Operations. "Well-funded manufacturing and engineering services firms are gearing up to build out these massive systems.
"Many already have well-developed sales and distribution networks. By integrating with them, we avoid having to build our own manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. That gets us into markets quickly, which is the key."
As its first potential OEM relationship, OriginOil has an early-stage partnership with Belgium's Desmet Ballestra, a global leader in oil seed extraction and a pioneer in the implementation and sale of full-scale algae extraction systems, with operations in Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, the United States, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
"Now that we’ve sharpened our technology focus, it's time to do the same for our business model," said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. "We now plan to embed our technology into the industrial algae systems that others build. We no longer plan to develop our own distribution channels, nor engage in any high-volume manufacturing."
Strategic partners like Australia's MBD Energy will help the Company scale up its technology, proving its value in the field. These commercial scale-up programs will avoid the large capital expense of pilot plants for OriginOil while technology agreements protect its intellectual property.
OriginOil will work with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to integrate its extraction technology into their branded systems. The OEM category encompasses manufacturers, distributors, engineering service firms, system integrators and also specialty operators in high-value markets such as nutritionals and beauty products. Certain OEMs will be selected as manufacturers of OriginOil's proprietary hardware.
On January 12 the company announced that future technology development efforts would concentrate on the 'midstream' of algae harvesting and extraction, a key industry challenge addressed by OriginOil's patent-pending processes.
"Algae is turning into a global industry that could someday replace petroleum," Eckelberry continued. "Focus is essential – in business as in technology – and you never want to compete with your natural partners."
"We aim to be the first to market," commented Scott Fraser, OriginOil's Vice President of Operations. "Well-funded manufacturing and engineering services firms are gearing up to build out these massive systems.
"Many already have well-developed sales and distribution networks. By integrating with them, we avoid having to build our own manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. That gets us into markets quickly, which is the key."
As its first potential OEM relationship, OriginOil has an early-stage partnership with Belgium's Desmet Ballestra, a global leader in oil seed extraction and a pioneer in the implementation and sale of full-scale algae extraction systems, with operations in Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, the United States, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
January 18, 2011
New company to become leader in algal biofuels
A new Australian company has been established to produce commercial quantities of clean, "green" fuels from algae.
The company, Muradel Pty Ltd, is a joint venture of Murdoch University, Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd (the commercial development company of the University of Adelaide), and commercial partner SQC Pty Ltd.
Australian researchers Professor Michael Borowitzka (Murdoch University) and Dr David Lewis (University of Adelaide) are world leaders in the development of biofuels from micro-algae. Their work has already led to the establishment of a $3.3 million algae pilot plant in Karratha, Western Australia.
"The focus of this new company is to bring to commercial reality a large-scale business that leverages the natural advantages of the Australian environment, producing algae for renewable fuel and co-products from the biomass," Professor Borowitzka says.
"Our research team has proven that it is possible to grow large quantities of algae for commercial biofuel purposes. The establishment of Muradel Pty Ltd is the next major step in Australia becoming a world leader in biofuel production," he says.
The participants in Muradel contribute a unique blend of expertise.
Murdoch University's expertise lies in commercial production of algae and algal products, while the University of Adelaide is contributing engineering expertise in algal processing. SQC Pty Ltd is a South Australian-based company whose mission is to develop commercial processing of micro-algae biomass into renewable hydrocarbon products, especially fuels.
"Muradel possesses the right blend of skills needed to take the company forward, but just as importantly, to advance the science and technology behind the venture, which has the potential to deliver sustainability into the energy appetite of Australia and beyond," says Mr Ollie Clark AM, Chairman of Muradel Pty Ltd (and SQC Pty Ltd).
Dr Lewis says: "This venture, with SQC coming on as a commercial partner, not only brings additional investment to the project, but perhaps more importantly, brings the project a step closer to market.
"This is a great example of universities being able to translate their research into commercial outcomes and make an impact around the world."
Source : Press Release
The company, Muradel Pty Ltd, is a joint venture of Murdoch University, Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd (the commercial development company of the University of Adelaide), and commercial partner SQC Pty Ltd.
Australian researchers Professor Michael Borowitzka (Murdoch University) and Dr David Lewis (University of Adelaide) are world leaders in the development of biofuels from micro-algae. Their work has already led to the establishment of a $3.3 million algae pilot plant in Karratha, Western Australia.
"The focus of this new company is to bring to commercial reality a large-scale business that leverages the natural advantages of the Australian environment, producing algae for renewable fuel and co-products from the biomass," Professor Borowitzka says.
"Our research team has proven that it is possible to grow large quantities of algae for commercial biofuel purposes. The establishment of Muradel Pty Ltd is the next major step in Australia becoming a world leader in biofuel production," he says.
The participants in Muradel contribute a unique blend of expertise.
Murdoch University's expertise lies in commercial production of algae and algal products, while the University of Adelaide is contributing engineering expertise in algal processing. SQC Pty Ltd is a South Australian-based company whose mission is to develop commercial processing of micro-algae biomass into renewable hydrocarbon products, especially fuels.
"Muradel possesses the right blend of skills needed to take the company forward, but just as importantly, to advance the science and technology behind the venture, which has the potential to deliver sustainability into the energy appetite of Australia and beyond," says Mr Ollie Clark AM, Chairman of Muradel Pty Ltd (and SQC Pty Ltd).
Dr Lewis says: "This venture, with SQC coming on as a commercial partner, not only brings additional investment to the project, but perhaps more importantly, brings the project a step closer to market.
"This is a great example of universities being able to translate their research into commercial outcomes and make an impact around the world."
Source : Press Release
January 5, 2011
National Algae Association Names Riggs Eckelberry to Advisory Board
OriginOil, Inc. today announced that the National Algae Association (NAA) has named Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginOil, to its Advisory Board.
He joins a team of industry professionals that will help the NAA address the scaling up of algae production facilities and develop the algae biofuels and co-products industry.
"In order to maintain integrity in this rapidly developing industry, it is extremely beneficial to have the diverse talents and deep experience of this board to assist us in bringing the most relevant, accurate and unbiased information to the industry," said NAA Executive Director Barry Cohen. "Riggs' leadership of OriginOil will provide valuable insight as we move towards commercialization."
In accepting this appointment, Eckelberry said, "We have participated in NAA conferences since the inception of the Association. NAA's focus is on fast-tracking commercialization of algae and it provides its 'algaepreneurs' a platform to announce new developments. The friendly, collaborative atmosphere has helped OriginOil to grow and provide leadership to this emerging industry. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with NAA at this level."
He joins a team of industry professionals that will help the NAA address the scaling up of algae production facilities and develop the algae biofuels and co-products industry.
"In order to maintain integrity in this rapidly developing industry, it is extremely beneficial to have the diverse talents and deep experience of this board to assist us in bringing the most relevant, accurate and unbiased information to the industry," said NAA Executive Director Barry Cohen. "Riggs' leadership of OriginOil will provide valuable insight as we move towards commercialization."
In accepting this appointment, Eckelberry said, "We have participated in NAA conferences since the inception of the Association. NAA's focus is on fast-tracking commercialization of algae and it provides its 'algaepreneurs' a platform to announce new developments. The friendly, collaborative atmosphere has helped OriginOil to grow and provide leadership to this emerging industry. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with NAA at this level."
January 4, 2011
National Algae Association 2010 Year In Review
According to National Algae Association (NAA) Executive Director Barry Cohen, “2010 has been another busy year, and I want to thank everyone for contributing to the productivity! Some of the accomplishments include:
* Construction of commercial-scale demo PBR at Lone Star College
* Delivery by NAA Engineering Consortium of plans and design for the 100-acre challenge
* Delivery by NAA finance team of first financial modeling showing positive CAPEX and OPEX
* Launch of the first algae production incubator program
* Algae Production Certification Program providing first-ever full spectrum of algae strains, growing, harvesting, extraction and economics.
I started 2010 off by opening the NAA conference in January with a challenge: to build out 100 acres of algae production. I am disappointed that it has not been met, but it is only one of the frustrations for 2010.
After issuing the challenge, some of the best and brightest minds in water process, engineering, construction and came together with equipment manufacturers to develop plans and specifications, along with CAPEX and OPEX financial modeling, for a 100 acre turnkey algae production facility. It was disappointing to realize that growing, harvesting and extraction equipment companies had not communicating with one other. The amount of time, effort and dedication of the NAA Engineering and Research Committees in identifying and resolving issues every step of the way was amazing. The end result was that plans and specifications were developed, with positive financial models, but more importantly, that we have confirmed that “collaboration at all levels” is necessary to conquer the steep learning curve in commercial-scale algae production.
To help lower risk and some financial liabilities for algaepreneurs and algae farmers, the NAA has started the first algae production incubator in the US. Acreage and services are now available to qualified algaepreneurs.
A lot of the frustration for 2010 was centered on the need for financing, which has been felt in all industries throughout the country. Algaepreneurs need financing to build production facilities, equipment manufacturers need financing to build their equipment, and so on. So long as interest rates remain low, banks do not have the incentive to make loans in emerging markets. The investment community is also skeptical – they don’t want to get burned in another dot-com fiasco. Couple that with the fact that the IPO market has slowed. I am adamant that we not willingly participate in another debacle based on false promises and unproved claims. NAA has issued definitive guidelines for benchmarking algae production systems and production levels. I feel confident that the NAA procedures will be implemented on a broad scale.
A rather insightful article written by Will Thurmond of Emerging Markets Online summed up the situation quite well. According to this article, the “Big 4” algae labs in San Diego, Sapphire Energy, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Synthetic Genomics, and SD-CAB at UC-San Diego affiliated with the DOE’s CAB-COMM, represent nearly $1 billion in funding from private and public sector investment, and none are in commercial production yet! To put it in perspective, ExxonMobil’s R&D expense for 2009 was a little over $1 billion – this is an aggregate number and includes R&D to support all of its business lines. Therein lies the difference – R&D to support its business lines, not to see if it’s worth launching them! The point I am trying to make is that R&D will continue, but we need to emphasize the importance of deployment in our on-going commercialization efforts. GET LINK
The financial frustration has caused NAA to reach out to various government agencies in 2010. I am happy to say that NAA has benefitted tremendously from the relationships that we have developed with the likes of (a) an attorney to whom DOE Project Administrators report - we now know why only $9 billion of the $32 billion in committed funds has been spent, but more importantly, we can appreciate the level of frustration at the DOE, (b) NREL employees, some of whom share our frustration and very much appreciate NAA’s efforts, (c) individual researchers, many of whom privately agree that it’s time to scale up and some of whom have admitted that they are not trained in commercialization and in how to get it done!
Another frustration, rooted in the lack of financial support for algae-to-fuel projects, is that many companies that were interested in algae for fuel have changed their focus this year to nutraceuticals. As oil prices continue to go up, algae biocrude becomes more profitable. Having many years in commercial lending, I realize and encourage all algaepreneurs, while they are looking for equity investment into their companies, to also look for potential off-take contracts and strategic alliances to be more attractive to lenders.
The first billion dollar algae transaction, which was announced last month, is a positive move for the industry, but moves the business to vitamin giant Royal DSM, located in The Netherlands. This is bittersweet for me – it establishes a commercial value for a proven marketable technology. Again, herein lies the difference – the value is based on proven technologies and markets. The only way algae technologies will have any commercial value is when they can be used in commercial-scale production, not sitting on shelves.
Looking towards 2011, I see more movement towards commercial scale production. More and more American algaepreneurs and algae farmers are interested in getting into the algae production industry. Some have their own acreage and some are coming into the NAA algae production incubator program. What matters is that we work together and start commercial scale production, and we start it now!”
* Construction of commercial-scale demo PBR at Lone Star College
* Delivery by NAA Engineering Consortium of plans and design for the 100-acre challenge
* Delivery by NAA finance team of first financial modeling showing positive CAPEX and OPEX
* Launch of the first algae production incubator program
* Algae Production Certification Program providing first-ever full spectrum of algae strains, growing, harvesting, extraction and economics.
I started 2010 off by opening the NAA conference in January with a challenge: to build out 100 acres of algae production. I am disappointed that it has not been met, but it is only one of the frustrations for 2010.
After issuing the challenge, some of the best and brightest minds in water process, engineering, construction and came together with equipment manufacturers to develop plans and specifications, along with CAPEX and OPEX financial modeling, for a 100 acre turnkey algae production facility. It was disappointing to realize that growing, harvesting and extraction equipment companies had not communicating with one other. The amount of time, effort and dedication of the NAA Engineering and Research Committees in identifying and resolving issues every step of the way was amazing. The end result was that plans and specifications were developed, with positive financial models, but more importantly, that we have confirmed that “collaboration at all levels” is necessary to conquer the steep learning curve in commercial-scale algae production.
To help lower risk and some financial liabilities for algaepreneurs and algae farmers, the NAA has started the first algae production incubator in the US. Acreage and services are now available to qualified algaepreneurs.
A lot of the frustration for 2010 was centered on the need for financing, which has been felt in all industries throughout the country. Algaepreneurs need financing to build production facilities, equipment manufacturers need financing to build their equipment, and so on. So long as interest rates remain low, banks do not have the incentive to make loans in emerging markets. The investment community is also skeptical – they don’t want to get burned in another dot-com fiasco. Couple that with the fact that the IPO market has slowed. I am adamant that we not willingly participate in another debacle based on false promises and unproved claims. NAA has issued definitive guidelines for benchmarking algae production systems and production levels. I feel confident that the NAA procedures will be implemented on a broad scale.
A rather insightful article written by Will Thurmond of Emerging Markets Online summed up the situation quite well. According to this article, the “Big 4” algae labs in San Diego, Sapphire Energy, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Synthetic Genomics, and SD-CAB at UC-San Diego affiliated with the DOE’s CAB-COMM, represent nearly $1 billion in funding from private and public sector investment, and none are in commercial production yet! To put it in perspective, ExxonMobil’s R&D expense for 2009 was a little over $1 billion – this is an aggregate number and includes R&D to support all of its business lines. Therein lies the difference – R&D to support its business lines, not to see if it’s worth launching them! The point I am trying to make is that R&D will continue, but we need to emphasize the importance of deployment in our on-going commercialization efforts. GET LINK
The financial frustration has caused NAA to reach out to various government agencies in 2010. I am happy to say that NAA has benefitted tremendously from the relationships that we have developed with the likes of (a) an attorney to whom DOE Project Administrators report - we now know why only $9 billion of the $32 billion in committed funds has been spent, but more importantly, we can appreciate the level of frustration at the DOE, (b) NREL employees, some of whom share our frustration and very much appreciate NAA’s efforts, (c) individual researchers, many of whom privately agree that it’s time to scale up and some of whom have admitted that they are not trained in commercialization and in how to get it done!
Another frustration, rooted in the lack of financial support for algae-to-fuel projects, is that many companies that were interested in algae for fuel have changed their focus this year to nutraceuticals. As oil prices continue to go up, algae biocrude becomes more profitable. Having many years in commercial lending, I realize and encourage all algaepreneurs, while they are looking for equity investment into their companies, to also look for potential off-take contracts and strategic alliances to be more attractive to lenders.
The first billion dollar algae transaction, which was announced last month, is a positive move for the industry, but moves the business to vitamin giant Royal DSM, located in The Netherlands. This is bittersweet for me – it establishes a commercial value for a proven marketable technology. Again, herein lies the difference – the value is based on proven technologies and markets. The only way algae technologies will have any commercial value is when they can be used in commercial-scale production, not sitting on shelves.
Looking towards 2011, I see more movement towards commercial scale production. More and more American algaepreneurs and algae farmers are interested in getting into the algae production industry. Some have their own acreage and some are coming into the NAA algae production incubator program. What matters is that we work together and start commercial scale production, and we start it now!”