What’s the story behind Algae? Was it always cultivated as a source of energy?

The mass production of micro algae has been going on for the past 25 years, driven mainly by the incentives of trying to look for a cheap source of food, fuel and feed and eventually ended up with algal biomass being cultivated for high value products like omega 3 fatty acids and beta carotene. The ‘re-discovery’ of Algae as a source of fuel and energy came about because of the increasing costs of energy.

At least, that’s what Dr. Avigad Vonshak and Dr. Mark Edwards said at the “Real Story of Algae Biofuels” webinar, which went live to an audience of over 200 participants from all over the world on 29 October 2008.

The action packed webinar touched on several key controversies, issues, myths and misconceptions surrounding the Algae-Biofuels pathway.

Our guest expert, Dr. Avigad Vonshak, Director of the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR), the only non-US laboratory involved in the US Department of Energy’s Aquatic Species Program brought with him the wealth of experience and scientific know-how and stirred the proverbial pot with his strong views on the current direction of the Algae industry.

Dr. Mark Edwards, director of GreenIndependence.org and author of the successful book “Green Algae Strategy” and moderator of the webinar was an interesting counter point to Dr. Vonshak with his optimism for the future of the industry.

Both Dr. Edwards and Dr. Vonshak expressed that the biggest gap in knowledge that is holding back the commercialisation of Algae Biofuels is how to set up a sustainable production system that can provide constant algae productivity that is cost efficient.

Dr Edwards and Dr. Vonshak proceeded to give their views on the future direction of the Algae Industry and what needs to be done, and emphasised the importance of needing the right know how on the type of algal strains to cultivate and the requirements of the cultivar before embarking on the algae project. Dr. Vonshak in particular emphasised the need for biological know-how to precede engineering solutions like photo bioreactors.

He stated with a touch of humour, “If you develop a photo bioreactor without knowing what type of algae you want to grow, you might end up tailoring a very fancy jacket to a size of person who doesn’t exist!”

Dr. Edwards then proceeded to quiz Dr. Vonshak on a variety of technical issues that were raised by the audience who had pre-submitted their questions. Some of the issues touched on included:

- Photo bioreactors- should one buy it off the shelf?
- The importance of proper Pond Management?
- Contamination in Algae projects-
- Yields per hectare
- Harvesting issues
- Algae’s role in CO2 Sequestration and Nitrogen Fixing

Dr. Vonshak's and Dr. Edwards' advice to new algae project developers was simple. They both agreed that the scale up was the secret to success, but before embarking on the scale up, project developers need to have good solid know-how of what they’re growing, and more critically, a good contact with a research scientist or group.

If you are already developing your own algae project, then take your cues from Dr. Vonshak, and sign up for Algae World 2008, happening on 17-18 November in Singapore, where you will be able to meet other significant heavy weights in the Algae research field. Find out more about who’s attending >>HERE<<

Dr. Vonshak & Dr. Edwards urged listeners to “GIVE ALGAE A CHANCE”. Both Dr. Edwards and Dr. Vonshak expressed their fear that Algae could be easily dismissed as a ‘failure’ due to poor know how in projects being developed, and urged project developers to attend conferences like Algae World 2008 to stay updated on all the latest developments in the industry and hear from all the key researchers in the field.

Missed out on this critical webinar? Want to hear all the important advice and insights that Dr. Vonshak & Dr. Edwards had for algae project developers and investors?

Don’t worry! Just visit our >>Algae Webinar Page<< to access the recording of this critical webinar.

And don’t forget to sign up for Algae World 2008!

Algae Biofuels are not a new concept. In fact the idea was explored in the 70s & early 80s where it was firmly established that Algae can be a viable source of renewable energy. Unfortunately, the research initiated in the field was terminated a few years later due to a variety of reasons.

The recent increase in conventional energy prices have led to the “re-discovery” of algal biomass as a source of renewable energy and at this critical stage, understanding the nature of the industry is critical.

The commercialisation process of Algae Biofuels production is underway, but impeded by a variety of factors, and there is a need to measure the new direction being adopted by the Algae Biofuels industry to determine what really needs to be done to overcome the challenges to commercialisation.

This is the main thrust of Algae World 2008, which will cut through the hype of Algae Biofuels to touch on real issues affecting Algae Biofuels and address the challenges faced by the industry.

As part of the Algae World 2008 commitment towards achieving its goals, the “Algae World 2008 Industry Strategy Survey” will measure the current position of the Algae Biofuels industry.

The Algae World 2008 Industry Strategy Survey was designed by Dr. Mark Edwards, author of the highly successful book “Green Algae Strategy” and moderator of the “Algae Biofuels: The Real Story” webinar happening on 29 October.

This historic, first of its kind survey is designed measure the current status of the Algae Biofuels industry to help prioritize action in developing the Algae Industry as per what the INDUSTRY wants.

There is a need to map the future direction Algae biofuels, which is why you need to take some time to participate in the Algae World 2008 Industry Strategy Survey which will only take a mere 10 minutes of your time.

You can do so by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jiPAh1dQhnC19p2otpb8xA_3d_3d right now.

The survey findings will provide an accurate snapshot of the current reality of the Algae Biofuels industry as viewed by members of the Algae Biofuels fraternity, and will be used to set the direction for future R&D and Investment strategies for companies & the industry as a whole.

So don’t forget to take some time to complete the Algae World 2008 Industry Strategy Survey and play your part in this historic study that will measure where the industry is and what it needs.

SINGAPORE, September 25, 2008 – Prepared in association with Algae World 2008 scheduled in Singapore November 17-18, the position paper ‘Opportunities and Challenges in Algae Biofuels Production’ by Dr. John R. Benemann is being offered by free download. As algae biodiesel races to the forefront as a promising alternative energy source, Dr. Benemann’s paper provides an objective assessment of the current challenges facing algae biofuel development as well as its potential as a viable biofuel source.

Dr. John R. Benemann, co-author of the famous 1998 report to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory entitled ‘A Look Back at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Aquatic Species Program: Biodiesel from Algae’, is considered one of the foremost experts on algae biodiesel. In his timely position paper ‘Opportunities and Challenges in Algae Biofuels Production’, he asserts that for algae energy to become a reality, “microalgae for biofuels in general and oil production in particular…still requires relatively long-term R&D, with emphasis currently more on the research rather than the development.”
 
To ensure greater algae biodiesel productivity, it would be necessary to:

• Overcome the unique challenges, as well as enhance the benefits, inherent in open pond, closed photobioreactor, and wastewater treatment algae fuel production systems.
• Identify reliable algal strains that are capable of producing high levels of algae oil as well as being resistant to contamination, adaptable to temperature extremes, tolerant of high oxygen levels and suited to local water conditions in growth ponds.
• Develop low-cost algae biofuel harvesting technologies.
• Substantially reduce the overall operational cost of algae biodiesel production systems. 

Although further research and development is required for algae biodiesel to become a viable biofuel, it maintains several salient advantages over other feedstocks. In his position paper, Dr. Benemann purports, “The interest in microalgae, as for other alternative biofuel sources, is that there would, or could, be less competition with food and feed production and that large-scale production is possible.”

Another exciting benefit of biodiesel from algae is microalgae’s short generation time, as little as one day in some outdoor mass cultures and just hours under laboratory conditions. This allows for more rapid technology as compared to conventional crop plants used for biodiesel whose lifecycle spans from months to years.

For free access to Dr. John R. Benemann’s informative and unbiased position paper ‘Opportunities and Challenges in Algae Biofuels Production’, visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/whitepaper/ for a free download.

Algae World 2008 will lend further insights into the potential of algae biodiesel as a sustainable, viable alternative energy source.

Keynote speakers for this critical two-day conference will include global experts in all facets of the algae biofuel industry to discuss:

• The competitiveness of algae biofuel with regard to other feedstocks. 
• The market outlook of algae biodiesel.
• Investment potential and demand for algae biofuel in Asia Pacific.
• Life cycle assessment of algae to energy.
• The latest information in the research and development of algae harvesting, lipid upgrading and oil extraction.
• Ways to overcome project development risks.

Russell Teall, President of Biodiesel Industries, Inc., has over 14 years experience in the biodiesel industry and will be chairing Algae World 2008. He speaks not only of algae’s promising potential as a biodiesel feedstock, but also of what Algae World 2008 attendees can expect at this informative, not to be missed two-day conference.

Teall states, “Algae has the potential to become the pre-eminent biodiesel feedstock. Substantial time, money and resources are being dedicated to the quest for the commercialization of algae production technology. Algae World is the place to hear and meet the leaders in this field.”

Algae World 2008 will gather into one arena, experts in all areas of the algae biofuel industry to address the long-term outlook of algae biodiesel as a viable alternative energy source. Attendance at Algae World 2008 is essential in clarifying algae fuel challenges and projecting long-term ROI.
 
To register for this critical groundbreaking two-day conference visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/attend/ to register.

All of the ‘benefits’ of Algae Biofuels are still largely theoretical, as the new Position Paper on Algae “Opportunities & Challenges in Algae Biofuels production” reveals.

Authored by Dr. John R. Benemann, the paper reveals key insights into the current reality, opportunities & challenges of Algae Biofuel production through discussion of current Algae cultivation & harvesting practices, and technologies that must be adopted in developing a sustainable position in Algae Biofuel production and the need for reliable and low cost processes.

WHO IS DR. Benemann?

If you’re already involved in Algae, this name must be very familiar to you.

If you’re not, then put simply, Dr. Benemann is the man who has the reputation for “Writing the Book on Algae Biodiesel”.

Dr. Benemann is one of the most respected pioneers of the Algae Biofuels industry. Dr. John R. Benemann co-authored “A Look Back at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Aquatic Species Program: Biodiesel from Algae” report prepared for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Published in 1998, Dr. Benemann’s report is widely considered as one of the first and most comprehensive publications directly addressing the potential of Biofuel production from Algae.

Dr. Benemann is still active in the Algae Biofuel industry, contributing his expertise to various commercial and research institutes all over the world. When I asked him about where Algae Biofuels industry will be in the next five years, he expressed his enthusiasm for what he sees as the potential for the industry.

According to Dr. Benemann,

“I believe that the next five years will allow us to do two things:

A. Take the R&D on algal biofuels to a point where we will have a realistic view of its potential, including economics, productivity (oil and otherwise), resource (water, land etc.) availability, global/regional impacts, production processes, products, etc.  Certainly the resources now being committed should allow us to get to that point.

B. Develop the technology to allow applications of this technology in low-cost waste water treatment in favorable locations and applications.”

Dr. Benemann’s new position paper, “Opportunities & Challenges in Algae Biofuels production” provides an updated view on the status of the Algae Biofuel industry.

ABOUT “Opportunities & Challenges in Algae Biofuels production”

Opportunities & Challenges in Algae Biofuels production provides an OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT of the challenges and potential of developing Algae Biofuel.

The paper addresses pressing questions like:

-What is Algae’s potential as Biofuel feedstock?
-What are the economics of producing Algae Biofuel?
-Open pond versus Photo bioreactors; which is more viable for Commercial Algae cultivation?

… Plus much, MUCH more!

The paper also examines broader issues concerning Algae’s viability as feedstock for Biofuel, and upcoming applications and technologies in Algae Biofuel production.

AND THE BEST PART?

We’re making this Exclusive position paper available to you NOW for FREE! Released in line with ALGAE WORLD 2008 summit in Singapore, the position paper outlines the key issues discussed at this critical forum.

Visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/whitepaper/ 
for immediate access to this critical position paper today!

About ALGAE WORLD 2008

ALGAE WORLD 2008, to be held in Singapore on 17-18 November 2008, is a conference dedicated towards providing OBJECTIVE INSIGHTS on Commercialization of Algae Biofuels, latest advances & constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing.

Dr. Benemann forms part of the panel of experts presenting insights at ALGAE WORLD 2008 summit, and will be sharing a “Status Report” on Microalgae Oil Production.

Dr. Benemann, a very passionate and fervent champion of Algae Biofuels expressed his anger at the wild claims being made about Algae,

“As one who has devoted quite a bit of time to this field over 30 years, I am trying to do what I can do stem the current irrational and thoughtless promotion from overwhelming the entire enterprise.” 

This is why Dr. Benemann is so hearty in his endorsement of ALGAE WORLD 2008, which is dedicated to providing an objective view on the TRUE status of the Algae Biofuel industry.

In response to my question on why he’s speaking at ALGAE WORLD 2008, he said, “I am giving the talk on the reality of the situation to an audience where I know I can have some effect on.” 

Dr. Benemann is one of the many brilliant men and women who will be sharing their insights and ideas at ALGAE WORLD 2008.

Click on the REGISTER link at the top of this page to confirm your participation at ALGAE WORLD 2008.