Comments on: The big boys of industry move into next-generation algae fuels http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/ Trends, happenings and innovations in the clean technology market Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:28:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: The big boys of industry move into next-generation algae fuels | http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/comment-page-1/#comment-6207 The big boys of industry move into next-generation algae fuels | Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:46:25 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1745#comment-6207 [...] new [algae biofuel] startups are developing strains of algae that continuously produce and actively secrete oils and ethanol. By turning the algae cells [...] [...] new [algae biofuel] startups are developing strains of algae that continuously produce and actively secrete oils and ethanol. By turning the algae cells [...]

]]> By: KL http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/comment-page-1/#comment-6204 KL Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:32:33 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1745#comment-6204 Werner Friesland mentions CSP technology; Some of the biggest companies in the world including Deutsche Bank, Munich Re, Abengoa Solar, and Siemens signed an MOU for a $500 billion DESERTEC Intiative- the biggest proposed solar project in the world by far a couple of weeks ago. Saving the world doesn't come cheap. This project aims to make the price of solar power equivalent with coal by mass production of CSP materials and generators while also providing abundant clean water to N.Africa while also providing effective energy storage using molten salt. http://www.desertec.org/en/press/press-releases/090713-01-assembly-desertec-industrial-initiative/ Werner Friesland mentions CSP technology;

Some of the biggest companies in the world including Deutsche Bank, Munich Re, Abengoa Solar, and Siemens signed an MOU for a $500 billion DESERTEC Intiative- the biggest proposed solar project in the world by far a couple of weeks ago.

Saving the world doesn’t come cheap. This project aims to make the price of solar power equivalent with coal by mass production of CSP materials and generators while also providing abundant clean water to N.Africa while also providing effective energy storage using molten salt.

http://www.desertec.org/en/press/press-releases/090713-01-assembly-desertec-industrial-initiative/

]]> By: Gerald http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/comment-page-1/#comment-6179 Gerald Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:51:33 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1745#comment-6179 Curbina, It seems they have developed algae that can survive high concentrations of ethanoI...after all yeast can survive up to 18% alcohol. But I agree their big problem will be separating out between the ethanol and the water. I wonder why they didn't try to develop this with butanol producing algae...butanol separates out from water naturally without distillation. And as opposed to ethanol, it can be added to fuel without modifications. I know they have bacteria that can do it. Curbina,

It seems they have developed algae that can survive high concentrations of ethanoI…after all yeast can survive up to 18% alcohol. But I agree their big problem will be separating out between the ethanol and the water. I wonder why they didn’t try to develop this with butanol producing algae…butanol separates out from water naturally without distillation. And as opposed to ethanol, it can be added to fuel without modifications. I know they have bacteria that can do it.

]]> By: Curbina http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/comment-page-1/#comment-6177 Curbina Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:45:16 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1745#comment-6177 Without any intention of being a cynical skeptic, the idea of a cell producing ethanol inside of it, and then exudating this ethanol to the surrounding media, in any amount that could be of real practical use, knowing that ethanol in any citoplasm is toxic, seems far fetched. Then, separating any low concentration of ethanol from an aqueous media is another feat, energy and infrestructure consuming. Would'nt it be better to harvest a rich in hicrocarbon algae biomass as a direct powdered fuel for biomass burning centrals? I mean, if we cannot even do this late thing economically feasible, then what can we expect for other microalgae for fuel ideas? Without any intention of being a cynical skeptic, the idea of a cell producing ethanol inside of it, and then exudating this ethanol to the surrounding media, in any amount that could be of real practical use, knowing that ethanol in any citoplasm is toxic, seems far fetched. Then, separating any low concentration of ethanol from an aqueous media is another feat, energy and infrestructure consuming.

Would’nt it be better to harvest a rich in hicrocarbon algae biomass as a direct powdered fuel for biomass burning centrals? I mean, if we cannot even do this late thing economically feasible, then what can we expect for other microalgae for fuel ideas?

]]> By: Gerald http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/comment-page-1/#comment-6176 Gerald Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:46:13 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1745#comment-6176 Algae secreting ethanol! Dalhousie U. is a Canadian connection to Cellana (Shell subsidiary) - alga into oil. One of the Canadian researchers working for them in Hawaii is Dr. John Cullen. Dr. Cullen is a specialist in culturing techniques, ocean optics and physical influences on marine ecosystems. One of the most highly cited scientists in his field, Dr. Cullen has done-ground-breaking research in microalgal physiology ranging from photosynthesis, effects of UV radiation, to optically-based models of primary productivity and food web structure. Prof. Cullen holds the Killam Chair in Ocean Studies at Dalhousie University. http://www.hrbp.com/AboutUs/SciTeam.html Algae secreting ethanol!

Dalhousie U. is a Canadian connection to Cellana (Shell subsidiary) – alga into oil. One of the Canadian researchers working for them in Hawaii is Dr. John Cullen.

Dr. Cullen is a specialist in culturing techniques, ocean optics and physical influences on marine ecosystems. One of the most highly cited scientists in his field, Dr. Cullen has done-ground-breaking research in microalgal physiology ranging from photosynthesis, effects of UV radiation, to optically-based models of primary productivity and food web structure. Prof. Cullen holds the Killam Chair in Ocean Studies at Dalhousie University.
http://www.hrbp.com/AboutUs/SciTeam.html

]]> By: Mark Robinson http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/comment-page-1/#comment-6175 Mark Robinson Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:20:48 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1745#comment-6175 Finally. I've been waiting for algae biofuels for years. I think one of big issues right now was the lack of public understanding that corn ethanol etc is just a means to an end. In other words, you've got use a not-so-good-but-available feedstock to test the systems, understand the fail points etc. Once you've got a good, solid system, the feedstock gets changed to something that's actually ROEI positive. I figured that once that happened, the big money would step in and everything would change. Here's hoping that things are finally getting going. Mark Finally. I’ve been waiting for algae biofuels for years. I think one of big issues right now was the lack of public understanding that corn ethanol etc is just a means to an end. In other words, you’ve got use a not-so-good-but-available feedstock to test the systems, understand the fail points etc. Once you’ve got a good, solid system, the feedstock gets changed to something that’s actually ROEI positive. I figured that once that happened, the big money would step in and everything would change.

Here’s hoping that things are finally getting going.

Mark

]]> By: Werner Friesland http://www.cleanbreak.ca/2009/07/25/the-big-boys-of-industry-move-into-next-generation-algae-fuels/comment-page-1/#comment-6164 Werner Friesland Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:36:49 +0000 http://www.cleanbreak.ca/?p=1745#comment-6164 You pointed out that Algenol's technology originated with a Canadian in Toronto. In my mind, the "patron saint" of concentrated solar thermal is Canadian John Mills of Ausra. His compact linear Fresnel technology was developed in Australia but commercialized in the US. We have him to thank, in large part, for today's huge pipeline of solar thermal power generation projects. Likewise, I appreciate Zenn Motor's investment and relentless promotion of EESTOR. You pointed out that Algenol’s technology originated with a Canadian in Toronto. In my mind, the “patron saint” of concentrated solar thermal is Canadian John Mills of Ausra. His compact linear Fresnel technology was developed in Australia but commercialized in the US. We have him to thank, in large part, for today’s huge pipeline of solar thermal power generation projects. Likewise, I appreciate Zenn Motor’s investment and relentless promotion of EESTOR.

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