The idea of biodiesel algae has been around for many years. From 1978 to 1996, the U.S. NREL experimented with using biodiesel algae as a source in the “Aquatic Species Program.” A self-published article by Michael Briggs, at the UNH Biodiesel Group, offers estimates for the realistic replacement of all vehicular fuel with biodiesel algae by utilizing algae that have a natural oil content greater than 50%, which Briggs suggests can be grown on algae ponds at wastewater treatment plants. However, at that time, the technology for creating a profitable biodiesel algae plant did not exist.
The Progression of a Biodiesel Algae Plant
The production of algae to harvest oil for biodiesel has not yet been undertaken on a full commercial scale. Aurora Biofuels is one of the first to take biodiesel algae to a full size commercial scale plant. Aurora Biofuels has successfully operated a pilot biodiesel algae facility that has consistently produced algae biomass since August of 2007, thereby proving the viability of the company’s process, and proving that a biodiesel algae plant is possible.
Aurora Biofuels
Aurora Biofuels manufactures fuel for bioenergy from optimized algae in a patented production process. Leading technologists at Aurora Biofuels have engineered a cost-competitive and scalable method for bioenergy generation, using robust and highly-productive custom algae strains. The Aurora Biofuels process is carbon-mitigating and non-competitive with agricultural resources, and capable of industrial yields with a minimal land requirement. Because of this they will be able to produce biodiesel algae at an economical price.
Media Contact: pr@aurorainc.com
