Green Technology

Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil are collaborating to research and commercialize biofuels from photosynthetic algae.  Dr. Emil Jacobs, vice president of research and development, sees the algae pathway to biofuel as a promising experiment for ExxonMobil.  The research partnership has established stages of investment with milestones that could see ExxonMobil invest over $600 million.  …

…   “After considerable study, we have determined that the potential advantages and benefits of biofuel from algae could be significant.

Among other advantages, readily available sunlight and carbon dioxide used to grow the photosynthetic algae could provide greenhouse gas mitigation benefits.

Growing algae does not rely on fresh water and arable land otherwise used for food production.

And lastly, algae have the potential to produce large volumes of oils that can be processed in existing refineries to manufacture fuels that are compatible with existing transportation technology and infrastructure. ”   …

Via ExxonMobil: Biofuels Program (Link).

Algae Biofuel Commercialization Challenges: Large-scale algae production sites, for example, could use carbon dioxide from nearby power or manufacturing plants that generate large amounts of the gas.

Synthetic Genomics Inc.: privately held company, founded in 2005, is dedicated to developing and commercializing genomic-driven solutions to address global energy and environment challenges. Advances in synthetic genomics present limitless applications in a variety of product areas including: energy, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.