ABO Blog – Page 142

Algae Body Armor

Super-light body armor? Add it to the list of things algae can make.

Over at Gizmodo Eric Limer describes recent research reported at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society about incredibly light, and strong, nanocellulose materials that are made from algae. Eric writes:

“Initially, the production of nanocellulose involved huge breeding tanks of bacteria, which rather annoyingly required things like food. But recent advancements have helped groom a new workhorse: blue-green algae, which unlike normal bacteria, can make its own food from the sun, and devour greenhouse gases in the process. You could hardly ask for more.”

Algae Biomass Organization Launches First Comprehensive Map of Algae Research, Companies and Commercial Projects

Visual display shows depth and breadth of algae-related industries across the US and globe

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 16, 2012 – A new map of the algae industry published online by the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) shows algae production facilities and research projects stretching from coast to coast, illustrating a nationwide opportunity for a new and growing industry that is moving to supply the U.S. with algae-derived renewable fuels, feeds, fertilizers, chemicals and other products. The new map was revealed today at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. and is available at: https://algaebiomass.org/algae-industry-map/

“When you see a visual display like this you get a real feel for how far reaching is today’s algae industry. Algae entrepreneurs, researchers, companies and projects come from every corner of the United States,” said Mary Rosenthal, executive director of the ABO. “Our members are proving algae can produce a wide variety of products, grow in wide range of climates, and provide economic benefits to rural and urban areas without harmful impacts on our land or fresh water.”

The algae industry map shows the locations of algae-related companies, research institutions, national laboratories, demonstration and commercial projects and other efforts undertaken by ABO members and non-members alike. ABO will continually update the map as new companies, projects and research are unveiled.

A recent ABO survey of more than 470 algae industry contacts shows that 67 percent of algae producers said they plan to expand capacity in 2013, and more than 95 percent of producers believe it that algae-based fuels may be able to compete with fossil fuels as soon as 2020. The results are similar to expansion and price expectations reported in the same survey conducted last year.

Products made from algae are the natural solution to the energy, food, economic, and climate challenges facing our world today. Algae have the power to simultaneously put fuels in our vehicles, recycle CO2, provide nutrition for animals and people and create jobs for millions of Americans. More information can be found at www.allaboutalgae.com.

About the Algae Biomass Organization

The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, b

Algae Biomass Organization Applauds Extension of Aviation Biofuels Program by USDA and FAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 16, 2012 – The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, applauded yesterday’s announcement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend its partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop viable aviation biofuels.

The new agreement will follow on the successful 2010-2012 “Farm to Fuels” initiative to accelerate the biofuel industry in the U.S. to improve domestic energy security and economic development.

“Algae farmed right here in America are among the crops that can produce biofuels that meet the needs of the aviation industry and provide the US with the economic benefits that come with domestic production,” said Mary Rosenthal, executive director of ABO. “With the first large-scale algae production facilities coming online and the successful testing of algae biofuels in military and commercial aircraft, it’s clear that continued research and investment can pay big dividends. The commitment of agencies like the USDA and FAA will build on that success and accelerate the development of new and renewable sources of fuel.”

Products made from algae are the natural solution to the energy, food, economic, and climate challenges facing our world today. Algae have the power to simultaneously put fuels in our vehicles, recycle CO2, provide nutrition for animals and people and create jobs for millions of Americans without significant impacts on valuable agricultural land or fresh water. More information can be found at www.allaboutalgae.com.

About the Algae Biomass Organization

Mapping the Algae Industry

Take a look at our new map that shows algae production facilities and research projects stretching from coast to coast. It’s a great illustration of the nationwide opportunity for algae to supply the U.S. with renewable fuels, feeds, fertilizers, chemicals and other products.

For a larger view of the map go the main Algae Industry Map page.

It truly is great to see so much going on. The algae industry map shows the locations of algae-related companies, research institutions, national laboratories, demonstration and commercial projects and other efforts undertaken by ABO members and non-members alike. We plan to continually update the map as new companies, projects and research are unveiled.

Keep an eye on the the industry as it grows!

Food and Fuel for the 21st Century 2013 Symposium

Check out this coming opportunity to join world-renowned academic scientists, leaders from industry, and state and national policy makers to discuss how biotechnology can address global food and fuel challenges.

Registration is now open for the Food and Fuel for the 21sth Century Symposium April 19-20, 2013. The event will be at the Hojel Auditorium on the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla, CA.

Building off last year’s symposium launching Food and Fuel for the 21st Century, this year’s event will highlight additional opportunities beyond biofuels for plant and algae biotechnologies to address resource challenges. The symposium will cover the potential of using genetics, genomics, and molecular and synthetic biology to enable increased productivity of photosynthetic organisms and to facilitate the transfer and expansion of these technologies to the commercial sector.

Space is limited so register now!

For more information, please visit http://algae.ucsd.edu/symposium_2013.html