Algae at Petro AlgaeBiofuels Digest is projecting that algal biofuels capacity will reach 1 billion gallons by 2014, based on analysis of price and capacity projections for 2009-14 from leading companies in the field.
Algae producers are targeting to reach a $1.30 wholesale cost and 1.62 billion gallons in capacity by 2014.
Costs are based on the lowest cost provider - not an average for all providers. Sources are Biofuels Digest reports and interviews on PetroAlgae, Algenol, Solazyme, Aurora Biofuels, Sapphire Energy, PetroSun and Solix, and a study prepared on algae feasibility for the Louisiana Economic Development. Production forecasts are based on interpretation of guidance from each company on forward production as well as public statements.
"The $9-$30 cost ranges cited in the latest research reflect today's prices," said Biofuels Digest editor Jim Lane. "That's already competitive in some nutraceutical and food markets - for example, a pound of olive oil retails for around $17 at my store, or about $120 per gallon. But like the computer market - costs are expected to come down quickly."
In Arizona, algae biofuels pioneer PetroSun announced that it had signed with the town of Gilbert to commence an algae-to-biofuels wastewater pilot program at the Neely Wastewater Reclamation Facility. The pilot will evaluate the feasibility of the utilization of wastewater as a source of nutrients and water for the cultivation of algae and its subsequent processing into biofuels feedstock.
From MyNews.com: "Butanol could gradually replace gasoline as well as diesel due to its high energy content, miscibility, better combustion characteristics, low volatility and other positive qualities...it was demonstrated in June 2006 that n-butanol can be used either 100% in unmodified 4-cycle ignition engine or blended up to 30% with diesel in a compression engine or blended up to 20% with kerosene in a jet turbine engine."
Bob Dineen, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association: "An enterprising reporter at USA Today has done more homework on the possible indirect effects of increased renewable electricity generation than scores of analysts at the über environmental agency known as the California Air Resources Board (CARB)."
In China, the State Energy Administration is making concrete plans for biodiesel promotion, according to a professor from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is considering the adoption of a B5 biodiesel standard, commencing as soon as next year in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
In Japan, Tsusho Corp., the trading arm of the Toyota group, has commenced a one-hectare jatropha trial in the Philippines and will prepare a feasibility study of a biodiesel refinery. NDC, the investment arm of the Trade and Industry Department, will partner with Toyota Tsusho to identify land and import equipment.
In Norway, Green Air Online is reporting that Stavanger Airport Sola will construct a wood biomass-based 4GWh power facility. The plant will utilize local wood resources and will also supply heat to the airport complex, saving 2,000 tonnes of carbon per year in the process.
Meanwhile,in Washington, the EPA today released a guide to help states, cities and organizations save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adopting clean energy practices in their facilities, operations and vehicle fleets. According to the EPA, a 2001 executive order in New York state saved $54.4 million in energy costs from energy efficiency improvements between fiscal years 2001-2002 and 2003-2004.
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