Algae Systems, IHI Corp. complete unique algae-biofuel demo

August 27, 2014

BY Ron Kotrba

Algae Systems LLC announced it has completed demonstration of a new biofuel production approach this month with Japan’s IHI Corp. A demonstration plant in Daphne, Ala., combines wastewater with algae to produce what the company says is the world’s first energy-generating wastewater treatment process, using carbon-negative technologies to yield biofuel and drinking water.

Algae Systems says its systems approach at Daphne takes local strains of algae to increase production rates and optimize wastewater treatment opportunities. Floating membrane photobioreactors accept wastewater—up to 40,000 gallons per day—from a local community municipal wastewater utility, drawing nutrients from the wastewater to promote algae growth. The algae consume nutrients in the wastewater, reducing the cost of water treatment.

The company says it has also demonstrated a new, proprietary technology for conversion of wet algae and other biomass feedstocks into biocrude oil, which it has then upgraded into diesel, jet and gasoline. The U.S. DOE recently announced that a research consortium coordinated by Algae Systems and led by SRI International will receive $3.2 million in grant funding in 2014 to advance this hydrothermal liquefaction process. 

Advertisement

Advertisement

 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Stories

The U.S Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office, in partnership with the Algae Foundation and NREL, on July 21 announced the grand champion and top four winning teams of the 2023 - 2025 U.S. DOE AlgaePrize Competition.

Read More

The USDA significantly increased its estimate for 2025-’26 soybean oil use in biofuel production in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, released July 11. The outlook for soybean production was revised down.

Read More

U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.

Read More

The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.

Read More

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency is implementing multiple changes to the Camelina pilot insurance program for the 2026 and succeeding crop years. The changes will expand coverage options and provide greater flexibility for producers.

Read More

Upcoming Events

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Advertisement

Advertisement