Researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute yesterday announced the successful construction of the first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell, which could potentially have numerous applications – including the production of new biofuels, according to Synthetic Genomics (SGI). Specifically, they are talking about new algae-based biofuels, if the researchers can take the discovery to that next step. They are working on …
Using Computer Parts to Grow Algae for Biodiesel
Usually, we talk about using high-tech computer programs to help producers get more biodiesel out of their operations. But this time, it’s the low-tech components that are the platforms for growing a feedstock for the green fuel. Treehugger.com has this post about how students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have put together an algae bioreactor called the Bio-Grow …
Algae Association Has Successful Workshop
Got nice note from our friend, Tamra Fakhoorian with the National Algae Association’s Mid-South Chapter, who just recently completed a workshop in Huntsville, Alabama, entitled, “Algae: Mining Wastewater for Nutrients, Fuel, and Fertilizer.” She tells us they had a good mix of attendees from all over the country who heard presentations from some of the nation’s leading experts on algae …
Researchers Check “Green-ness” of Algae-Biofuel
The assumption is that algae-based biofuels are better for the environment. But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. And researchers are all about proving things. This article from the Fort Collins (CO) Coloradoan says a pair of mechanical engineering professors from Colorado State are testing to see what gases come from burning algae oil: “What are the …
Solazyme Top Sustainable Biofuel
San Francisco-based Solazyme, Inc., a producer of algae-based fuels, has been recognized as the best in the Sustainable Biofuels Technology category at the 2nd Annual Sustainable Biofuels Awards. This Solazyme press release says the award was handed out in Amsterdam at the World Biofuels Markets conference: “Solazyme is honored to be nominated among some of the top biofuel technology companies …
Biofuels Alliance Disputes Virginia Research
A recent study by some University of Virginia researchers who say that algae might not be as environmentally friendly as some regular row crops when it comes to making biodiesel is coming under fire by algae and algal-biofuel organizations. As you might remember from my post back on January 22, 2010, a study headed by Andres Clarens said that “algae’s …
Algae Assoc. to Hold Seminar on Using Wastewater
Our friends at the Mid-South Chapter of the National Algae Association are holding another seminar. This time the talk will be “Algae: Mining Wastewater for Nutrients, Fuel, and Fertilizer” at the Holiday Inn Research Center in Huntsville, Alabama on March 26, 2010. I caught up with the chapter’s president, Tamra Fakhoorian, to talk about this information-packed workshop that will explore …
Expert: Algae Must Be Commercial Scale or Just Playing
A man who is considered to be the father of genomics says that if algae-based fuel makers can’t start making billions of gallons of fuel, they are just playing with investors’ money. This post on earth2tech.com says Craig Venter, the founder of synthetic biology startup Synthetic Genomics, made the remarks at the Wall Street Journal’s Economics conference this week: In …
Biodiesel Turns Sesame Street Green
Sunny days … and biodiesel … will be sweeping the clouds … and the smog … away as the studio that produces Sesame Street will switch to the green fuel for heat. The New York Daily News reports Kaufman Astoria Studios just became the greenest studio in town as it switches from traditional heating oil to “Greenheat,” a new blend …
Lambright Joins Algae-Biofuel Maker Sapphire
The former head of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and Chief Investment Officer of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) is bringing his copious financial knowledge to algae-biofuels producer Sapphire Energy. This company press release says James Lambright will also head Sapphire’s international expansion efforts: A respected leader in the private and public financial sectors, Lambright rounds out …