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Inaugural Algae Biomass Summit a Success
The inaugural Algae Biomass Summit, hosted by Byrne & Company Limited, was held November 15 and 16 in San Francisco, California, exploring the emerging use of algae as a feedstock for biofuels and other renewable energy applications.
Beginning with a dinner on November 14, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Paul Dickerson, Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Mr. Dickerson discussed the emphasis that his office is placing on the commercialization of promising technologies; especially the potential of algae as a feedstock.
The event brought together more than 350 technologists, scientists, educators, producers, investors and policymakers. Throughout the event, attendees heard from panels of experts on a variety of topics facing the industry, such as ways to overcome the barriers to commercial viability, algae production and conversion systems, market possibilities for algae related products, and stratagies for raising early-stage capital. The Summit also provided an opportunity for start-up companies in the field to highlight their organization, project and technology.
Douglas Kirkpatrick, Biofuels Program Manager for the Defense Advanced Reseach Projects Agency (DARPA), brought excitement when he announced DARPA's new funding opportunity. Funding will be provided for the development of a highly efficient system for low-cost algal oil production and optimizing its conversion to JP-8 (Jet Propellant 8, a versatile kerosene-based jet fuel), during his keynote speech.
The Summit concluded with the decision to move forward in the formation of a trade association to increase public awareness of the benefits of using algae as a feedstock for biofuels, as well as to further the evolving industry.
Additional Algae Biomass Summit Images