U.S. Navy’s Rear Admiral Philip Cullom, Retired Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn discuss role of algae-based fuels in enhancing U.S. energy security, addressing climate change and stoking resurgence of U.S. innovation
PHOENIX – September 30, 2010 – Day Two of the 2010 Algae Biomass Summit, the official conference of the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) and the world’s largest conference focused solely on algae, was highlighted by calls from the highest ranking current and former U.S. Navy leaders for the algae industry be part of a “regeneration generation” by providing renewable, domestic fuels and energy technologies that enhance American energy security, address climate change and strengthen America’s economy.
“Our generation’s legacy so far is that we’re pretty good consumers,” said Rear Admiral Philip Cullom, the Director of the U.S. Navy’s Energy and Environmental Readiness Division as well as the Navy’s Task Force Energy, in his keynote address to an audience of more than 600 stakeholders in the algae industry. “But we can be a different generation – and that generation is a regeneration generation. I think all of you in this room can help capture that…for the nation and for the world.”
Industry leaders and stakeholders from 27 countries are participating in the three-day conference, the world’s largest event focused on the promise of algae to address environmental, economic and energy challenges.
Addressing the conference during the luncheon was Retired Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn, a leading expert on the link between energy, climate change and international security. “With the right kinds of clean energy technologies, we will have a stronger economy…and a much more secure world,” said Vice Admiral McGinn. “I am saying that we need you for our national security. The United States armed forces need this industry to succeed…we need to recognize that the potential that algal biofuels have for the future is fantastic.”
Day Two of the Algae Biomass Summit also featured a number of breakout sessions focused on the algae industry, including international technology development, commercialization and project finance. Photos and video of the conference’s events, as well as the pre-conference tour, are available here.