Kiwi Clean Tech Firm Secures Role in Algae Biofuels Project
May 12th, 2010 by 
New Zealand-based Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation announced this week that it will collaborate as a co-funding partner with the United States Gas Technology Institute (GTI) on an advanced biomass conversion technology program worth $3.1million that will be part funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Earlier this year, Aquaflow also announced it would be working with Honeywell’s UOP on another algal technology project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
“We have reached another major milestone in expanding our U.S.-based partnerships and project involvement and we are delighted to be working with GTI in this space,” said Aquaflow director Nick Gerritsen.
Aquaflow’s role will be to focus on expanding the algae biomass processing options it has available to deliver user-ready biofuels, and this initial phase is expected to last 14 months.
“Both US projects demonstrate the breadth of the Aquaflow technology platform and its ability to work with partners to target and develop specific solutions in a complimentary fashion. The U.S. Department of Energy is to be congratulated for its ongoing support. Without doubt this work will herald in the next generation of renewable fuels and chemicals from fresh algae biomass,” said Gerritsen.
GTI, an Illinois-based company, are a leading not-for-profit research, development and training organization. They have been addressing US’ energy and environmental challenges by developing technology-based solutions for consumers, industry, and government for more than 65 years. To date, GTI programs have resulted in nearly 500 products, 750 licenses, and more than 1,200 associated patents.
“This project will demonstrate the conversion of algae biomass directly to gasoline and diesel fuel using integrated hydropyrolysis and hydroconversion technology,” said Terry Marker, Bioenergy Initiatives manager, of this latest program. “At GTI we believe the key to future algae utilization is developing economical processes for converting algae to hydrocarbon fuels.”
Article by Kate R. appearing courtesy Celsias.
photo: heatingoil
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