Algae-to-Biofuels
Plants such as soybeans and sunflowers produce oil that can be used to make biofuels. Although these crops have received a lot of media attention in the last several years, they require intensive management and may not be sustainable in the long term due to rising development and production costs. We believe a different type of oil crop that holds great promise for the future is micro-algae.
Extensive research was conducted to determine the utilization of microalgae as an energy source, with applications being developed for biodiesel, ethanol, and bioplastics. Independent studies have demonstrated that algae are capable of producing in excess of 30 times more oil per acre than corn and soybean crops. Biodiesel produced from algae contains no sulfur, is non-toxic and highly biodegradable.
In April PetroSun Inc announced the algae-to-jetfuel teaming relationship with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The companies are working to transition algal biofuel technology to the commercial sector for government contracts.
PetroSun has made twenty acres of ponds available at its Rio Hondo, Texas facility for research and development related to an algae-to-jetfuel project.
