Online Map Shows Algae Biomass Facilities, Projects Worldwide

The Algae Biomass Organization has published an online map showing algae production facilities and research projects worldwide.

The map shows algae — which can produce a wide variety of products including renewable fuels, feeds, fertilizers and chemicals — can grow in wide range of climates and provide economic benefits without producing harmful effects on land or freshwater, says Mary Rosenthal, executive director of the ABO.

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. ABO will continually update the map as new companies, projects and research are announced, it says.

An 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 that algae-based fuels may be able to compete with fossil fuels as soon as 2020.

In 2011, United Airlines operated the first US passenger biofuel flight powered with a mixture of renewable algae-derived jet fuel and conventional jet fuel.

Last fall, Inland Empire Paper Company and AlgEvolve commissioned an advanced biological water treatment system at the IEP facility located in Millwood, Wash. Montana-based AlgEvolve developed its Advanced Biological Nutrient Recovery system to remove phosphorus, nitrogen, and other constituents using algae byproducts and oxygen instead of harsh chemicals.

OriginOil and Ennesys’ algae harvesting system — which the companies say generates clean energy for buildings, helps with water purification and advances France’s energy goals — was highlighted in the grand opening of an urban algae showcase near Paris in December 2012, Energy Manager Today reported.