Israel wants to make algae-based biofuels

[Christophe]

Israeli scientists are well aware of the capacity of algae in energy production. More than 150 species of algae are currently used in the cosmetic and agro-food fields.

Since 1999, the company Algatech, located in the south of the Negev, develops and markets products derived from micro-algae. Now she is particularly interested in bio-petroleum derived from algae.

This is why Algatech will soon begin a collaboration with the American-Israeli start-up company GreenFuel Technologies Corporation in order to develop an efficient, economical fuel from algae feeding on carbon dioxide emissions.

Dr. Drory from Algatech explains that the concept of biofuel dates back to the 60-70 years but that it is not a priority in the activities. Mr. Yudilvich, director of the Bi-National Industrial Research and Development Foundation, says that from a technological point of view, using an algae to produce ethanol from CO2 is really innovative and investors already believe in the project . The key task is to optimize the algae culture process so that the cost remains low compared to conventional oil or other biofuels already on the market.

With the progress in this area, the benefits are spectacular: low production and import costs associated with a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide. In addition, as GreenFuel CEO Cary Bullock points out, ethanol-based petroleum requires little (if any) change in equipment. Israel has been a leader in seaweed research for years, but there is still a lot of work to be done. That's why Israeli and American scientists are eager to start an active collaboration

source: http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/