Researchers at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia are looking at a new way of turning algae into biodiesel.
While the algae-into-biodiesel process is still relatively new, this article from the Virginian-Pilot says the latest twist is that the green fuel is made from sewage:
In this era of clean and renewable energy development, researchers at other universities are conducting similar experiments with algae and biofuels. But ODU is on a slightly different and potentially important path, using municipal sewage to generate its slimy fuel supply.
Their first experiment is being conducted atop a sewage treatment plant run by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District, next door to ODU.
The timing could not be better. Virginia, like its neighboring states, is under pressure to reduce nutrient pollution now choking the Chesapeake Bay, and much of the excessive nitrogen and phosphorus comes from sources that include factories, slaughterhouses and sewage plants.
So, conceivably, the ODU technology could kill several birds with one stone. Nutrient-rich wastewater from agriculture, industry and municipal sewage could be piped to and purged at algae-growing stations. Biofuels could be produced. And less nitrogen and phosphorus would enter the Bay.
Add one other side benefit: a reduction in greenhouse gases. Algae love to eat carbon dioxide.
Officials believe the project could produce up to 200 gallons of biodiesel a day-a small quantity at this point, but if the project works, it could be expanded to make much more while getting rid of even larger amounts of sewage. Take that times all the sewage plants in the country, and you would have a significant chunk of renewable energy.
A documentary about biofuels makes its world premiere at the 
“Fields of Fuel”
Keynote speakers for the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, or 
Minnesota might already be the home of the NFL’s Vikings, but lawmakers in that state are trying to lure some modern-day descendants of the marauders to set up a wind energy research center.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and several other Democrats said they’re considering a package of unspecified incentives – possibly bonding dollars, or tax breaks – to draw Denmark’s Vestas Wind Systems to the state. Vestas, the world’s largest maker of wind turbines, plans to build a U.S. research center, but hasn’t picked a location.
A new biodiesel blending facility located at a petroleum terminal in Aurora, Colorado is seen as key to improving the availability of biodiesel in the area while helping integrate the green fuel into the nation’s petroleum infrastructure.
“Today we are witnessing a renewable energy revolution in our state and in our nation,” said U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), who spoke at the opening ceremony. “This revolution is fueled by innovative firms like Magellan and CHS who understand that the production of clean, renewable biofuels not only strengthens America’s national and environmental security, but offers an unprecedented opportunity to spur economic growth and job creation in our rural communities as well. I commend them for their work and urge other firms to follow suit.”
Indiana Corn and Soybean is also working to gain support for a Biofuels special recognition license plate to be made available through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
According to Greentech (Media), venture firms also continue to invest in biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, with more than $750 Million directed towards these new feedstocks and technologies. Notable alternative energy VC funding rounds in 2007 included HelioVolt’s $101M for thin film photovoltaics, Great Point’s $100M for coal gasification, Amyris’ $70M for synthetic biology and biofuels, and A123’s $70M for innovative battery technology.