ABO Blog

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

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, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website:www.algaebiomass.org.

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

Learn About Algae Culture Maintenance, Production and Downstream Processing

The Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation is offering a workshop (May 6-10) for those interested in algae cultivation operations.

This workshop covers the fundamentals of managing microalgae cultures, culturing techniques, measuring biomass, high-value natural products, harvesting and processing technologies, as well as life cycle analysis and operation at the commercial scale. Topics presented are relevant to those interested in obtaining a broad overview on the biology, growth and commercialization of microalgae.

For more information this and other workshops visit:  www.atp3.org.