Prof. Dr. Ami Ben-Amotz, Chief Scientific Advisor to Seambiotic, will be speaking at 2nd Algae World Europe in Brussels. Dr Ben-Amotz, a world-renowned marine algae expert, will discuss marine microalgae production from power plant wastes, a technology Seambiotic pioneered 2 years ago.

World-renowned Marine Algae expert Prof. Dr. Ami Ben-Amotz, and Chief Scientific Advisor to Seambiotic technologies, has just confirmed his participation in the 2nd Algae World Europe conference, which meets on 22-23 Apr 2010 in Brussels. Dr Ben-Amotz will address the conference on “The State-of-The-Art of Marine Microalgae Production for Bio-Fuel to High Value Products, Health Food and Cosmetics with the Option of Using Electric Power Plant Wastes.”

Seambiotic was founded in 2003, and in the past five years, the company successfully tested a method of producing algae by channeling smokestack carbon dioxide emissions through pools of algae.

The company’s prototype algae farm covering about a quarter-acre in Ashkelon has eight shallow algae pools, filled with the same seawater used to cool the nearby coal-burning power plant operated by the Israel Electric Company (IEC). A small percentage of gas is siphoned off from the power plant flue and channeled directly into the algae ponds.

Seambiotic is currently transitioning from pilot plant stage to commercial scale algae cultivation and production, and in December 2009, they signed a Joint Venture with one of China’s largest power companies, China Guodian worth US$10 Million. The joint venture is expected to build its first commercial farm on 12 hectares (30 acres) in Penglai, a city in Shandong Province, and will utilize carbon dioxide from the Penglai power station. The farm is expected to be operational in 2010.

Prof. Dr. Ami Ben-Amotz has researched marine algae for over 30 years, and is a Emeritus Professor of Marine Phycology at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Haifa, Israel. He is one of the world’s foremost experts on the biology, physiology, biochemistry and biotechnology of Dunaliella algae, a saltwater species, which is the richest source of natural beta-carotene in the world.

In his speech at 2nd Algae World Asia, Prof. Ben-Amotz will discuss Commercial Cultivation of Dunaliella and Nannochloropsis for Feed, Food, Nutraceuticals and Cosmetics. He will also provide insights into large Scale Cultivation of Marine Unicellular algae on Wastes of Electric Power Plants for Bio-Fuel and High Value Products, and Carbon Capture applications of this technology.

Prof. Ben-Amotz served as Head of the Department of Marine Biology at the NIO and Head of the Dunaliella Section at the WIS, Chief Scientist of Nature Beta Technologies Ltd. (commercial Dunaliella production plant in Eilat) and recently as Chief Scientist of Nikken Sohonsha Co., Japan.

Upon his retirement of NIO, Prof. Ben-Amotz founded Seambiotic Ltd., a company devoted to the cultivation of marine microalgae on wastes of electric power plants for the production of feasible bio-fuels and high value products. Prof. Ben-Amotz has more than 150 publications and supervised dozens of students mostly on aspects related to marine unicellular algae, Dunaliella and natural products.

If you are keen on hearing from Prof. Dr. Ami Ben-Amotz, and the other leading Algae industry experts who will be sharing perspectives at 2nd Algae World Europe, do confirm your attendance for the conference. >>Click here to submit your registrations online.<<

Could incorporating low volume, high-value chemical products pave the way to large-scale roll-out of algal biofuels ? Find out what the experts have to say at 2nd Algae World Europe on 22-23 April 2010 in Brussels. 

There is growing interest in Algae as a source of energy, and 2009 was a good year for the industry, with high profile investments from oil majors like Exxon and BP, as well as funding from governments around the world. In fact, 7 Algae companies made it to Biofuels’ Digest’s “50 most influential Bioenergy Companies for 2009” list.

Algal biomass contains oils, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. Its applications, besides biofuels, ranges from health foods, food supplements, infant food, skin care, animal nutrition, biopolymer, biochemical and so forth. Algae has the potential of being the ‘factories’ for materials of the future.

The US Aquatic Species Program in the 80s, still the most comprehensive study of algae to date, culminated advanced techniques for screening, cultivating and separating the components of algae. This in turn spurred the development of high value proteins and vitamins.

Production of Spirulina and Chlorella for the nutraceutical industry have therefore become prevalent around the world, with farms in the US, Taiwan, Israel, Mexico, Sweden, China, Japan and India.

For companies looking into Algae as a fuel source, these high value products and applications could radically enhance the economics of large-scale aquaculture.

2nd Algae World Europe meets in Brussels on 22-23 April 2010, to shed light on how you can turn to Algae’s multiple applications to develop a sustainable Algae business model. Sessions on the agenda will cover:

• Algae’s multiple roles & applications in Skin care, Nutraceuticals, Animal Nutrition, Bioremediation (waste water treatment, coastal environment recovery), Carbon Capture & Recycle, Biofuels, Biogas, Biochemicals
• Case studies of successful commercial-scale algae production and processing
• Evaluation of various algae production systems
• R&D on improving algal productivity and lowered cost

This international conference will attract an even mix of Algae industry representatives, including Algae Technology Developers, Cleantech Entrepreneurs, Algal Science Research Institutes, Aquaculturists, Financiers and Investors and Oil Companies/Fuel Distributors.

Industrial Carbon Generators like Mining Companies, Power Plant Operators, Cement Plant Operators and End-users including Biofuels Producers, Animal Feed Companies, Fish, Poultry, Pig and Cattle Farming, Nutraceutical Companies, Fertilizer Manufacturers, Aircraft/Engine Manufacturers are also expected to attend.

In addition, Centrifuge Manufacturers, Oil Extraction Machinery suppliers, Waste Water Processing Equipment providers and Civil Engineering Companies are also encouraged to attend for a through overview of opportunities available.

Confirm your seats seats at 2nd Algae World Europe immediately by >>Clicking here<<.

If you are keen on exploring Sponsorships and Media Partnerships with us, send your enquiries and proposals to Ms. Nadia AlBahar at nadia@cmtsp.com.sg.

The 2010 edition of the Algae World will kick off with 2nd Algae World Europe in Brussels on April 22-23. This follows on the success of the 2009 Algae World conferences, which saw participation from leading Algae executives and researchers from all over the world.

2nd Algae World Asia Attendees

At the recently concluded 2nd Algae World Asia in Bangkok last September, “Great place to learn” was a common refrain among all conference attendees, while others found it “Enlightening and Eye-Opening”. Representatives from as far as Americas, South Africa, Middle East and those from Asia Pacific convened in Bangkok and fully enjoyed the networking and open exchanges.

John Campbell, CEO of New Horizons Global Ltd. for example, commented that he learnt a lot at the conference. He added, “2nd Algae World Asia was a fantastic conference, bringing together individuals from all parts of the Algae World in an atmosphere of learning and development.”

Others like Joshua Coetzee, CEO of Biofusion added that the conference offered a lot of clarity on some challenges they face in their Algae business. He said, “The conference helped me realise issues at hand and the corrections that needed to be made to rectify these issues.”

Algae World conferences offer a holistic view of the entire Algae value chain, focusing on high value Algae applications, as well as Algal BioEnergy, with insights from both the commercial producers as well as leading scientists. Cameron Howie, a Team Leader at Melbourne Water paid homage to this remarking, “The conference provided a valuable cross-section of views and a range of interesting perspectives on major issues that will impact the future of this industry.”

Boonsom Farm Site Visit

Included in the program was a site visit to Green Diamond’s Spirulina farm in Chiangmai. The farm owners Mr & Mrs Boonsom were wonderful hosts who welcomed us with great fanfare and treated us to a sumptuous Spirulina infused meal of soup and pasta with spirulina, waffles with Spirulina and even Spirulina ice-cream! Attendees were also taken on a tour of their open pond cultivation system while Mr. & Mrs. Boonsom briefed them about their production experience.

With CMT’s Algae World, you are assured of practical knowledge and realistic insights. As Keith Cowan, Director & Professor at EBRU- Rhodes University summed up, “Technology Exchange, Networking and Opportunity Potential is the hallmark of an Algae World event- a true biotechnology experience.”

Do keep your calendar free on 22-23 Apr 2010 to join us in Brussels for another ‘enlightening and informative’ Algae World conference. Watch this space for more program highlights, and updates on the planned site visit to a commercial-scale algae production facility close to Brussels.

Keen on participating as delegates, media partners, exhibitors and / or sponsors at 2nd Algae World Europe?  Submit your enquiries and proposals to Ms. Nadia Albahar at +65 6346 9114 or email her at nadia@cmtsp.com.sg.

Ecoduna is a privately held company that is specializing in the development and  production of photo bioreactors for the cultivation of micro-algae.

Ecoduna offers a new biosolar system and innovative photobioreactors which massively reduce the energy input for micro algae cultivation, and considerably increases the quality and quantity of the algae produced.

So far it was not possible to breed algae under economic circumstances except in open pond systems, whereby the evaporation of water and contamination of undesired species do limit this system. Difficulties in even distribution of carbon dioxide and nutrients occur, and the availability of land my be a factor of limitation in many cases.

In all the closed systems the massive energy input has been the main limiting factor, besides stress by pumping and barriers of discharging the oxygen limited upright systems.

Both systems have not really reached the state of real continuity as required by up to date process design.

The challenge was to combine all the qualities of open pond and upright cultivation systems, keeping the energy costs down to the level of open pond but utilizing the land and water in a much more efficient way to achieve real continuity.

In an advanced process design, as with hanging gardens, the energy input for carbon integration is used for more than one purpose.  The same amount of energy necessary for integrating the Carbon dioxide into the solvent is also used as the means of transport throughout the complete reactor, and also to create a turbulent flow within the reactor, to avoid microfilm culminating on the reactor surface. An even distribution of the cells to the light surface and an even distribution of nutrients is achieved.

Increasing requirement of renewable fuels, raw materials, clean water and oxygen create an opportunity for the large-scale cultivation of micro algae without the downside associated with traditional fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide and waste water containing nitrates can be used as cheap and readily available resources in biogenic industrialisation.

Ecoduna’s system “hanging gardens” creates viable conditions for the industrial expansion of micro algae breeding.

Speaker Profile
Martin Mohr qualified as architectural designer  and worked in development and process design for a number of years. He teaches process design and project management in the “Donau Universität Krems” since 2000 and process design at the “St.Galler Business School St.Gallen”  since 2007. Mohr was a founding Director of Ecoduna SRO in 2003, specializing on alternative fuels and sustainability solutions and is founding Director of ecoduna OG, a company formed to marked and further develop the inventions of Martin Mohr and his associate Franz Emminger in the  field of photo-bioreactors.

Mohr has a keen interest in energy efficiency and sustainability. The current project “hanging gardens” is been granted the  “Genius award 2008” by the camber of comers in Austria. One of ecodunas photobioreactor  will be realized in a carbon capture project in industrial scale in Germany.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
12:00      Comparison of Open Pond and Closed Photobioreactor

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Dr.  Anong Chirapart is the Associate Professor of Department of Fishery Biology, at the Kasetsart University.

EDUCATION:
1983   BSc. (Biology), Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand
1988   MSc. (Fisheries Science), Kasetsart University, Thailand
1993   MSc. (Marine Biology), Kochi University, Japan
1996   Ph.D (Phycology), Ehime University, Japan

Her research interests are in
- Ecology and taxonomy of seaweeds
- Cultivation and application of seaweeds

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
17:05      Integrated Aquaculture with Seaweed for Recovering Coastal Environment and Production of Co-Products Feed and Bio-Energy

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Rob Thomas has thirty years experience in environmental science as a research manager, consultant, policy maker and environmental regulator.

He has been a board member of the CRC for Plant-Based Solutions for Dryland Salinity, Chair of the CRC Irrigation Futures Participants Forum, and is now a director of the CRC eWater Board.

In the past, Mr Thomas has held senior roles as Chief Executive of the Department for Water Resources (SA), Executive Director Environment Protection Authority, and Industry Executive Kinhill Engineers.

In 2000-2001 he was a South Australian Commissioner for the Murray Darling Basin Commission.

For the last six years, he has developed a new research division in SARDI focussing on natural resources management and sustainability in agriculture.  He has played a leading role in development of SARDI’s capability in biofuels and microalgal production systems. He led a successful bid for a Premier’s Science & Research Fund grant to undertake Proof-of-Concept for a Microalgae Biorefinery.

More recently he has established the Algal Fuels Consortium (SARDI, CSIRO, Flinders University, and Sancon Recycling) to develop a Pilot Scale Microalgal Biorefinery in Adelaide.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30
12:05  Biorefinery Approach for Algal Biofuels and High Value Co-Products

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Marvin Yeo is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Frontier Investment and Development Partners (FIDP) – a firm set up in 2008 to focus on frontier market investments starting with Cambodia in 2008 and Mongolia and Laos thereafter.

Before starting FIDP, Marvin was a Senior Financing Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where he was responsible for running debt syndications and the structuring and pricing of ADB’s corporate / infrastructure transactions. He was also actively involved in advising ADB’s sovereign, sub-sovereign and private sector clients on financing solutions.

Prior to the ADB , Marvin worked in London, Hong Kong and Singapore with Barclays Capital, Nomura International and Deutsche Bank where he specialized in Debt / Equity-linked Origination, Syndications and Derivatives Structuring.

Marvin has also taught post-graduate finance courses at the University of the Philippines and was an F&B entrepreneur in Singapore. He has also worked as an Industrial Engineer in Australia.

He holds an MBA from INSEAD, a B.Eng (Hons) from Monash University as well as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
14:45      Roundtable Discussion: Finance & Investment

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Joe McDonald is a Biologist with a historical bias in Research & Development  and commercial farming of new marine aquaculture species.  Working extensively throughout Asia, providing technology transfer and consultancy services.

He is the Co founder and Managing Director of Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd and Co founder, Chief Operating Officer and Technical Director of Sasaran Varicon Aqua (Malaysia) Algae production specialist.

He is also the Committee member, Bio-Based Products Working Group, British Standards Institute.(BSI).

He has 20 years algal culture experience utilising and developing various production systems and techniques for mass culture of various algae species.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
11:30      Microalgae Production Challenges & Opportunities

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

The Algal Fuel Consortium (AFC) won a US$2.26 million research grant under the Department of Resources Energy and Tourism’s Second Generation Biofuels program in Australia. The grant will support the development of microalgal mass cultivation systems to generate biomass from captured CO2 emissions.

AFC comprises the Sancon Recycling Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sancon Resources Recovery Inc.); Government of South Australia; South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI); Flinders University; Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO); and Flinders Partners.

This truly collaborative research project will produce biomass from native strains of microalgae, from which biodiesel will be produced on a scale that is commercially viable. At the same time, the project will produce high value by-products including Omega-3 fatty acids, bioactive peptides and carotenoids used by the nutraceutical industry.

In a recent interview, Rob Thomas, Chair of the Algal Fuels Consortium said about the AFC, “This renewable energy project is a step forward from the small-scale research conducted to date by the AFC partners. Under this project, the consortium partners will improve native microalgal strains to be grown in ponds optimized for productivity, with carbon and nutrient delivery. The AFC will also develop low-cost and efficient harvesting, dewatering, and oil extraction technologies and perform subsequent bioprocessing to produce high value co-products alongside biodiesel.”

Rob will be sharing his perspectives on the Algal Fuels Consortium at the 2^nd Algae World Asia summit in Bangkok. In his speech, “Biorefinery Approach for Algal Biofuels and High Value Co-Products”, Rob will provide an update AFC’s research and development into their Algae project.

>>Attend 2nd Algae World Asia to hear from Rob Thomas, and other leading Algae industry experts. Confirm your participation here!<<

Dr Iwane Suzuki obtained a Ph.D. degree in agricultural chemistry from Nagoya University, Japan in 1995. He became the fellow (PD) of Japanese Society of Promotion of Sciences for a few months and then got a position of Research Associate at National Institute for Basic Biology, Japan. Subsequently, he moved to the University of Tsukuba 4 years ago and is currently is the associate professor in the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences. He is interested in molecular mechanisms of acclimation of microalgae to changes in the environmental conditions.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30
09:35  Botryococcus’s Potential for Biofuel Production

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. is India’s largest company by sales with a turnover of Rs. 285,337 crore and profit of Rs. 2,950 crore for fiscal 2008-09. IndianOil controls 10 of India’s 20 refineries. The group refining capacity is 60.2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) or 1.2 million barrels per day -the largest share among refining companies in India. It accounts for 33.8% share of national refining capacity. IndianOil has 10,000 km pipeline net work with a capacity of about 62 million metric tonnes per year.

Indian Oil’s R&D Centre, established in 1972, has state-of –the art facilities and has delivered pioneering results in lubricants technology, refining process, pipeline transportation, bio-fuels and fuel-efficient appliances. Focused research in the areas of lubricants and grease formulations, fuels, refining processes, biotechnology, additives, pipeline transportations, engine evaluation, tribiological and emission studies, and applied metallurgy has won several awards.

Indian Oil R&D centre has done pioneering work in the area of Jatropha biodiesel.  Currently work is going on algal biofuel, lignocellulosic biofuel and organic waste transformation to gaseous fuel.  In algal biofuel area the research is focused on  selection of potential strains for open pond cultivation and micro-algal assisted transformation of sugars to lipid.

Speaker Profile
Dr Manoj Upreti has obtained PhD (Biotechnology) from Indian Industrial Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India in  2002. He also has a MBA ( Operation research) from IGNOU- New Delhi, India in 2004

He has published some 15 papers in peer reviewed journals, presented 25 papers in conferences/symposium, and has 7 patent applications

His research interest is in Petroleum biotechnology, bioremediation of oily sludge, algal biofuels, heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae and  microbial corrosion

Overview of Presentation
In the development of algal biofuels, the selection of the suitable species is a one of the important aspect for commercial success. Petroleum refining industries use huge amount of water in their operations and effluent discharge contains hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other contaminants. The presentation covers the study on lipid productivity and CO2 mitigation potential of chlorella isolates from hydrocarbon contaminated water.

Several Chlorella isolates were obtained from effluent treatment plant of a hydrocarbon refinery, considering their adaptation for hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other contaminants present in the refinery wastewater. Experimentations were carried out to find out optimum media, nitrogen source, pH, temperature and other culture conditions for higher growth and lipid production. The ability of Chlorella species to grow at different CO2 concentration vis-a-vis their biomass and lipid productivity was also evaluated. The Chlorella species were further evaluated their adaptability to grow at different hydrocarbon concentrations, heavy metal concentration, salt concentrations in refinery wastewater.

The results showed the Chlorella species grows up to 40% C02 with biomass yield of 3.0-4.0 g/l (dcw) in laboratory conditions with oil content up to 22-27% (w/w).  The lipid profile  has been found to be suitable for biodiesel production. Selected strains were further evaluated for their growth in environmental conditions in open ponds of around 200 L-600 L capacities.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
16:35      Lipid Productivity and CO2 Mitigation Potential of Chlorella Isolates from Hydrocarbon Contaminated Water

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

China is one of the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, mainly because it relies on coal for 70% of its power generation. Almost none of the carbon dioxide is captured, but more than one new 500MQ coal-fired plant is built every week.

One Chinese firm’s recent breakthrough puts the spotlight on Algae as the answer to carbon emissions in China and the rest of the world. The company ENN, headquartered in Langfang, China is a vertically integrated supplier of energy, committed to the development and utilization of clean energy.

ENN’s research has culminated in the creation of a bioreactor, specifically tailored to grow micro-algae using carbon captured from gasified coal. The micro-algae passes through a greenhouse filled with transparent pipes multiplying rapidly as it flows through tubes, stacked 14 high in four long rows.

ENN Scientists are currently testing different types of micro-algae to determine which one is more effective in cleaning up CO2 wastes from burning coal.

ENN’s Carbon Capture process involves a series of steps. First, coal is gasified in a simulated underground environment. The carbon dioxide produced is extracted using solar and wind power and “fed” to the algae encouraging their multiplication and growth. The algae can be harvested daily, and converted into bio-fuels, fertilisers or animal feed.

>>WATCH CNN’s REPORT ON ENN AND THEIR ALGAE INNOVATIONS HERE< <

Over the next three years, researchers at ENN plan to scale up the trial to a 100-hectare (247 acre) site. If this proves commercially feasible, coal plants around the world could one day be using carbon-cleaning algae greenhouses or ponds.

Algal Carbon Capture is taking also off in other locations around the globe. In May 2009, the Obama Administration provided $2.4 billion in Funding for Carbon Capture and Storage Projects including research into carbon capture using algae. In India, leading Cement producer Holcim has initiated a project to sequester CO2 generated by cement kilns to produce high-energy algal biomass, which will then be reused as fuel in its cement kilns.

The upcoming 2nd Algae World Asia on 29 Sep-1 Oct in Bangkok spotlights emerging Algal Carbon Capture initiatives in Asia, including the project undertaken by ENN in China and Holcim in India.

Dr. Liu Minsheng, Director of ENN’s Bioenergy Institute, will discuss the “Feasibility and Technology of Algal Biodiesel Production Using CO2 from Flue Gas” in his eagerly anticipated session!

Also on the agenda, is the session by Mr. Ramesh Kumar Suri, Regional Geocycle Project Head at Holcim (South Asia) Ltd., on “Recycling of CO2 in a Cement Plant by Producing a Carbohydrate Fuel through Controlling the Photosynthetic Process of Algal Growth.”

Explore the latest 2nd AlgaeWorld Asia agenda and submit your registrations and enquiries >>HERE<<.

ENN Group is committed to the development and utilization of clean energy. Since our founding in 1989, ENN Group has focused on becoming a vertically integrated supplier of energy. Not only do we supply gas to homes and industries in urban and rural China, but we are also laying the pipeline that gets it to them.

Meanwhile, other key subsidiary companies focus on researching and developing exciting and innovative ways of producing cleaner energy. They are using leading-edge technologies to develop zero emission coal-based power, new carbon capture technologies and more environmentally friendly bio-energy.

ENN Group has grown into a multi-national corporation with more than 100 subsidiaries in over 80 cities across China and around the world. We employ more than 24,000 people and have total assets of 4 billion USD.

ENN Science & Technology, consisting of ENN Research & Development Co., Ltd. and ENN Coal Gasification Mining Co., Ltd., is mainly committed to the research and experiment of coal-based clean energy technologies. Focusing on CO2 recycling technology, ENN Science & Technology continuously provides technology support for ENN’s industrial chain of coal-based clean energy through its independent R&D.

Founded in 2006, ENN Research & Development Co., Ltd. is a technology innovation platform and profession technology research institution of ENN Group, which is devoted to providing technology support for the sustainable development of ENN’s clean energy strategy. Relying on its international R&D and management team, the company strives to make breakthroughs in energy saving and emission reduction and CO2 recycling technology by integrating the superior science & technology resources both in China and abroad.

Currently, the company has primarily established the professional team in technology R&D, and constructed a R&D platform – ENN Coal-based Energy “Zero Emission” Technology System with about 5000 m2 areas. Relying on such platform, ENN Research & Development Co., Ltd. has developed technology cooperation with famous research academies, institutions and international corporations, until now, for example, the company has signed MOU with several first-level universities, China Academy of Science, AMAT etc. in the field of coal chemical, underground gasification, biomass energy, solar energy etc. with cooperation mode of production-study-research.

By focusing on developing carbon-cycling technology, ENN Research & Development Co., Ltd. aims to provide eternal technology powers for ENN Group to realize its mission, and finally to accelerate its growth and social progress as well as the harmonious development between human and nature, economy and environment.

Speaker Profile
Minsheng LIU is the founding director of Bioenergy Institute which focusing on algae based bioenergy of ENN. He got his Phd degree in Tsinghua university of China, and ever been a visit scholar of University of Michigan, USA. He has set up a pilot scale algae farm using flu gas to produce biodiesel. Most of his interests are in flu gas utilization, large scale algae cultivation/ harvest/ oil extraction, and PBR simulation/design/ manufacture.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30
10:05   Feasibility and Technology of Algal Biodiesel Production Using CO2 from Flue Gas

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Dr. Sebastian Thomas is CEO of Parry Nutraceuticals – Chennai, India. He has been involved in applied microalgae R&D for more than 3 decades. He established India’s first commercial production facilities for Spirulina, Dunaliella salina and Haematococcus pluvialis for the Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods market.

He is currently setting up production facilities for the production of EPA and DHA from marine microalgae. He is also involved in the AP6 project on biodiesel production from microalgae. He is in the Board of Directors of Valensa International – Florida, Parry Phytoremedies – Pune and Health Foods & Dietary Supplements Association – Mumbai.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
09:10      Considerations & Challenges of Managing Large Scale Algae Farm

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Supreme Biotech is a privately held company that is specialising in the production of bioactive compounds derived from micro-algae. Our algae growing ability matched with the capability of our world class research and extraction partners ensures that we can quickly commercialise new bio-actives.

The company has acquired world-wide rights to a bioreactor system that enables economical and quick scale-up from the pilot stage to commercial production of the algae from which the targeted high value products are extracted.

Our initial facilities and algae farm are located in Nelson, New Zealand where the long sunny days, pure water and proximity to world class research and extraction facilities ensures our products will meet the exacting demands of our customers.

We have a strong interest in developing partnerships with research organisations and companies that have identified potential bioactive compounds and wish to develop their technology to a commercial product. We are able to provide research and development expertise, extraction expertise, growing expertise and marketing expertise to ensure the next exciting compound is brought to market in a way that benefits all.

Our process has the added benefit of consuming CO2 while releasing Oxygen, ensuring that we contribute to reducing green house gases.

Speaker Profile
Mahesh Shah qualified as a Pharmacist in the UK and worked in hospital and community pharmacy for a number of years. Mahesh was a founding director of Nucare plc, a company operating in the Pharmaceutical Sector. He became the Sales & Marketing Director in 2000 and was CEO from 2002-2009, growing the company organically as well as by joint ventures and acquisitions with operations in the UK as well as overseas.In November 2007 he led a successful trade sale for the company realising an enterprise value of approximately $100million.

Mahesh has a keen interest in emerging tehnologies and has invested in a number of start-ups where his rare combination of scientific, clinical and business skills help to shape and exploit new opportunities.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
14:00      Chairman’s Remarks

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

Celadon Capital (www.celadoncapital.com), is an independent, privately-owned international corporate finance and strategic advisory firm, with a focus on private equity (PE), venture capital (VC), M&A, overseas listings, business partnering and related strategic matters. In essence, our business is about connecting…

• Companies with Capital (capital raising, mainly from PE, VC and hedge funds)
• Capital with Companies (deal origination for PE, VCs, SPACs and hedge funds), and
• Companies with Companies (M&A, strategic partnering, R&D collaboration)

… and providing all the transaction execution and support, and related advisory and business partnering, representation and support work necessary to bring about the desired outcomes.

Founded in 1996 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we are active throughout SE Asia and India, and maintain close links with all the major international financial centres. The partners of Celadon have on average 30 years’ relevant work experience.

Our buy-side and M&A operations cater to most segments in the consumer, services and manufacturing space, while in our sell-side, capital raising and business partnering activities we cater mainly to the following:

• Life sciences (incl. biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment)
• Sustainable business (incl. alternative/renewable energy, cleantech, waste management, agribusiness, food)
• Nanotechnology and new materials
• Telecommunications, ITES / BPO and traditional and new media
• Light manufacturing and services to consumers and industry

Speaker Profile
Nicholas Ashby has been an investment banker for the past 27 years, and after a spell in the car manufacturing industry after graduation. Nicholas’ skill set includes M&A, VC, equity research, broking, fund management and privatisation. Prior to establishing Celadon, he was attached to Crosby Group (now Société Generale) where he oversaw the expansion of its corporate finance and securities activities in Malaysia, India, Korea and Philippines.

Previously, from 1989 to 1992, he was a senior member of the M&A team of Nomura in London where, among other assignments, he played a leading role in the US$400 million privatisation of the Czech tobacco monopoly, among the first of its kind in Eastern Europe. In his earlier career, he was a leading member of the equity research operations of SG Warburg (now UBS) in Tokyo and prior to that a leading London brokerage.

Nicholas holds Masters Degrees in Chemical Engineering and Natural Sciences from Trinity Hall, Cambridge in UK.

He is a Charter Member of TiE Malaysia, part of TiE Global, one of the world’s leading networks for entrepreneurs, and also serves as an adviser to a number of entrepreneur-run companies.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
14:35      Roundtable Discussion: Finance & Investment

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

Professor Avigad Vonshak is the Director of the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR). The BIDR is the research arm of Ben-Gurion University which studies the problems of Desertification and tries to develop new methodologies that will help in preventing Desertification and promote sustainable development of drylands.

He is a member of the Landau family Microalgal Biotechnology Lab since its establishment in the mid 70s’. The group has established its reputation as one of the leading centers in Algal Biotechnology Research. Leading to commercialization of it’s know how in few large-scale production facilities involving mass production of Haematococcus and Spirulina.

The group was the only none US laboratory involved in the Aquatic Species Program—Biodiesel from Algae of the DOE-SERI

His research interests include the study of environmental stress in algae.  The main goal of these studies is to try to understand the mechanisms involved in the adaptation of dense algal cultures to the extreme environment existing in many drylands.

Prof. Vonshak is known internationally mainly for his contribution to the development of the biotechnology for mass culturing of the blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) Spirulina under large-scale conditions.  The concept was developed as part of the approach that sustainable development of drylands requires the need to develop new innovative biotechnologies that will make use of the special environmental condition of drylands and increase the water use efficiency as compared to conventional agriculture methodologies.

Professor Vonshak served as President of the Asian Pacific Society for Applied Phycology. He has been involved in many international training programs organized by UNEP, UNESCO and other international agencies.  He took part in many international meetings presenting keynote lectures related to the potential of algal biotechnology as a tool in sustainable development of drylands.  He is also involved in running international training programs on Algal biotechnology and photosynthesis.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30
15:30   Increasing Productivity and Reducing Production Cost of Algal Biomass – What Will It Take?

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

In 1979, after years of research, Earthrise® introduced Spirulina to the natural foods market. Then, in 1982, the visionaries at Earthrise built the first U.S. Spirulina farm to grow this green superfood in pure California desert sunshine using ecological, earth-friendly methods.

Today, Earthrise Nutritionals’ farm is the world’s largest Spirulina farm. Earthrise products are marketed in the USA and in 30 countries on six continents.

Speaker Profile
Dr. Amha Belay is a leading expert in microalgal biotechnology in general and Spirulina (Arthrospira) in particular. He has an extensive experience in mass culture of algae and in the eco-physiology of algae in nature.

He did his Ph. D. at the Universities of London and North Wales, UK, under the late Professor G. E. Fogg, F.R.S.

He was Associate Professor and Head of the Biology Department at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He was also a senior research fellow at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Pallanza, Italy, a visiting researcher at the Freshwater Institute in Windermere, UK, and a senior Fulbright Fellow at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Dr. Belay is currently Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Earthrise Nutritionals.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
09:45   Microalgae Farms: Opportunities and Challenges

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

Kian Wee Tian obtained his Bachelor degree at SUNY Buffalo and Masters degree in Univeristy of Pennsylvania. Currently he is pursuing his PhD degree in University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) after joining UTAR as a biology lecturer at UTAR Center of Foundation Studies in year 2005.

He set up the infrastructure of a microalgae research laboratory in year 2006 and establishes the fundamentals of various microalgae culture procedures and techniques. He has successfully cultivated Botryococcus, Haematococcus, and Spirulina in his laboratory and currently he is expanding his microalgae culture for chemical extraction. He invents and explores various low-cost and high yield microalgae culture system to achieve high biomass productivity.

Overview of Presentation
The presentation starts with the introduction of the basics and structure of multiple level raceway, and then introduce a new method for the production of two of the most highly valuable microalgae species, Spirulina platensis and Haematococcus pluvialis, using multiple level raceway.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30
16:00   Production of Microalgae Biomass Using Multiple Level Raceway

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

Holcim is the world’s largest cement and aggregate manufacturer, with operations in 80 countries across the world. They have developed expertise in pre-processing hazardous and non hazardous waste to be used in their cement plants as an alternate to fuel.

Their group company ACC Ltd., India have supported the endeavor to develop laboratory stage bio reactor which could operate continuously and was able to avoid algal biomass but still produce starch continuously as a product, with a calorific value more than that of coal. This endeavor has been done at the Vaze College, Mulund, Mumbai under Mr Suri’s guidance and the technical support of Dr.Arun Manju Deodhar and her students.

We are now at the next stage of developing a bio reactor system to ascertain the data so that the estimates of commercial production can be made, and full-fledged investments can be secured from institutions.

Speaker Profile
Ramesh Suri obtained a BTech in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in the year 1970. He has 38 years of experience in the cement industry in various fields including: Commissioning, Erection and Operations, Alternate fuels and raw materials, Hazardous waste management, Climate change and how to assuage the CO2 foot print and other technical and management areas.

He is a Member of the Indian Delegation for the Asia Pacific Seven Nation Cement Task Force and a Member of the Cement Task force for the Cement document for the 11th Five year plan of Indian Government.

Overview of Presentation
The presentation will talk about the experiments to ensure continuous operation of a bioreactor without the growth of the algal biomass, and ensure continuous harvesting of starch for use as fuel. The objective is to use the algae growth to convert the CO2 to a hydrocarbon and stop the reaction before the biomass and lipids are formed, which prevent the continuous operation of the reactors, and be forced to go for open pond systems.

The more than 2 billion tons of CO2 being emitted from the global cement plants could generate almost 2 billion tons of fuel, serving fuel demand of cement plants and having sufficient surplus to sell to other industries.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
17:35   Recycling of CO2 in a Cement Plant by Producing a Carbohydrate Fuel through Controlling the Photosynthetic Process of Algal Growth

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

Murdoch University has a strong focus on sustainable industries and renewable energy. Professor Borowitzka and his Algae Research Group have been involved in the study of microalgae for commercial applications, especially the production of high value fine chemicals for over 30 years. The group has also been working on algae for lipid production, including the production of biodiesel for more than 15 years, focusing especially on the isolation and characterization of algae suitable for large-scale culture under Australian conditions, and the designing and operation of commercials-scale culture systems including open pond systems and tubular photobioreactors. The facilities and research expertise at the University also have provided opportunities to study genetic manipulation of algae and process engineering.

Speaker Profile
Professor Michael Borowitzka is Manager for Biofuels at the Renewable Energy Research Institute (RISE) at Murdoch University, Perth and heads the Algae Research Group. He is the immediate Past President of the International Society of Applied Phycology, founding President of the Asia-Pacific Society of Applied Phycology and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Applied Phycology.
He is one of the team which designed and built what is now the largest microalgae production plant in the world, the Dunaliella salina plant at Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia. For over 30 years he has worked with industry on the development of commercial algae processes around the world.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30
09:05   Growing, Harvesting, Dewatering & Extraction: Getting the Whole Process Right

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

The Institutes for Desert Research were established in Sede-Boqer in 1974. It was renamed The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR) in 1980 following generous contribution to BGU by The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation

Activities cover basic research in:

• Environmental physics, with applications in desert meteorology and solar energy.
• Water sciences and technology, with applications in water resource management, wastewater treatment and bioremediation.
• Ecology, with applications in conservation biology and environmental protection.
• Plant and animal physiology, with applications in desert agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture.
• Cellular and molecular biology, with applications in desert biotechnologies and biodegradation of environmental pollutions.
• Social sciences and architecture, with applications in regional planning and human habitat design in drylands.

Deserts and other drylands constitute more than 40% of the global land area.  Global environmental changes such as global warming and further desertification of drylands threaten 1,300 million people in more than 100 countries.  The goal of the BIDR is to carry out research on the desert environment required for promoting sustainable uses of the Negev Desert and other drylands the world over.

Speaker Profile
Prof. Boussiba received his Ph.D. in Physiology and Biochemistry of Cyanobacteria in 1981 from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. After 2 years of postdoctoral studies at Cornell University, Ithaca NY, he rejoined the Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory (MBL) at the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research (BIDR), Ben-Gurion University, Israel, and serves as the Head of this group since 1995.

Prof. Boussiba’s current research interests concern the utilization of microalgae for human health and environmental protection. Among his achievements are the unique development of the biotechnology for the production of astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus biomass, and the successful expression of BTI toxin genes into nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria for combating tropical diseases.

As an outcome of this research, commercial enterprises have been set up, one of which is a plant located in the Arava, for the production of the valuable carotenoid  astaxanthin produced from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, and the second – establishment of a start-up company “BioSan” involved in the commercialization of engineered cyanobacteria for mosquito biocontrol of pest diseases.

Prof. Boussiba is the author of more than 70 publications, and has been the supervisor so far of ca. 40 research students (M.Sc., Ph.D. and postdocs).

In 2003 Prof. Boussiba was awarded “Doctor Honoris Causa” by the University of West Hungary. As a reward for his achievements in Microalgal Biotechnology he was awarded in 2004 a Chair in Economic Botany, by the Senate of the Ben-Gurion University. In 2008 he was nominated as the Director of the French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands at Ben Gurion University of the Negev.

He currently serves as the President of the International Society of Applied Phycology (ISAP) and the chief scientist of the newly established European Algal Biomass Association( EABA).

All the above has positioned Prof. Boussiba among the world leading scientists in the field of Microalgal Biotechnology.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29
14:05   Challenges in Up-Scaling Industrial Microalgae Production

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

The Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhode University (EBRU) is a self-funded research entity which targets research in Environmental Biotechnology at the interface between the fundamental and applied sciences. Its main area of focus has been innovation and development of environmental bioprocesses related to water treatment. Its basic research activities are supported by a strong emphasis on technology transfer from laboratory studies to full-scale industrial process applications, and a number of bioprocess plants have been constructed in various parts of South Africa.

Founded some 10 years ago EBRU has concentrated its effort in the area of remediation with emphasis on waste-water treatment, land rehabilitation, and more recently in biofuels and in particular algae-to-energy.

EBRU has a legacy in research and development of Integrated Algae Ponds Systems (IAPS) for the treatment of domestic waste, animal waste, and a range of industrial effluents. As part of the treatment process high rate algae ponds were optimized for the production of a biomass to be valorised into fertilisers, high-value organics, bio-oils for biodiesel, and as a biomass for fermentation and/or gasification.

Other projects at the institute include the elaboration of microbial fuel cells, treatment of acid mine drainage and sulphate reduction bioprocesses, and the biosolubilisation of waste coal.

Speaker Profile
Professor Keith Cowan is Director of the Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University (EBRU) in Grahamstown, South Africa. He is also an independent consultant and provides scientific management consulting services to chemical and agrichemical companies, national research funding agencies, other universities, and individual scientists.  His group focuses mainly on developing bioprocess technologies for the valorization and/or beneficiation of waste streams, bio-remediation and rehabilitation, and algae-to-energy systems. The production of high-value natural products and agrichemicals for organic farming are also major areas of interest.

Professor Cowan received his B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Rhodes University, South Africa. He did post-doctoral research at the Department of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute, Israel and Long Ashton Research Station, Bristol, UK.  In 1994 he was appointed professor in the School of AgriScience and Agribusiness, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He was a guest professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden in 2001 and 2002.  In 2003 he accepted the position as senior scientist at Nutra-Park in Madison, WI where he headed basic research on the commercialization of phospholipid-based technologies for use in agriculture.

He has a deep understanding of plant natural product biosynthesis and in particular isoprenoids and was instrumental in developing a commercial facility for the production of β-carotene, pioneering in vitro carotenogenic enzyme systems for commercial evaluation of bleaching herbicides, and the development of technologies to elucidate the role of isoprenoids in coordinating plant growth. He also pioneered the use of phospholipids as regulators of plant growth and as vehicles for transmitting agrichemicals. Currently, he is developing “bio-refineries” by design as bioprocess adjuncts to waste water treatment plants for the production of industrial and agricultural fine chemicals and energy.

He has published more 80 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, two encyclopaedic articles, and co-authored several patents.

Overview of Presentation
The development of a waste-water based algae-energy-system is described to highlight this low cost, energy inexpensive technology as an alternative to conventional systems for the treatment of waste water with the recovery of biogas. Based on the integrated algae pond technology pioneered in California by Oswald in the 1950s, EBRU has developed a waste-water treatment system that is stand-alone and can be coupled to conventional waste-water treatment facilities for the digestion of effluent and/or residual sludge with biogas as a bi-product. The reward for biogas production, harvesting, and utilization is metered against the reduction in per annum costs associated with the municipal utilization of fossil fuel energy.

Optimization of the algae system is by use of co-feedstocks to maintain the requisite C:N ration, and by controlling the influent rate and system hydraulics. The resultant algae biomass is harvested and valorised to provide standardized products and specific-attribute raw materials for differentiated markets and/or processed further by digestion to enhance biogas production and the energy potential of the integrated system.

Algae World Asia 2009 Bangkok Speaker
Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30
11:35   Waste-Water Based Algae-Energy-System

ALGAE WORLD ASIA 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercialization of Algae Biofuels, as well the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World Asia in Bangkok from September 29 to 30, 2009, please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae

Mid last week, Exxon announced an investment of $600 million in producing liquid transportation fuels from algae. Exxon partners with Synthetic Genomics, a biotechnology company founded by the genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter for its biofuel effort.

The investment represents a major shift in direction for Exxon which has traditionally shunned biofuels investment. The announcement came just a week after another industrial giant, Dow Chemical, declared its own investment in algae technology. Other oil majors Shell, Chevron and BP have ventured into algae biofuel much earlier.

The involvement of these top international corporations in algae biofuel sends a strong message that Algae is a viable energy option for the future!

At the upcoming 2nd Algae World Asia in Bangkok, a roundtable discussion will offer an objective overview of where the industry stands today, and what needs to be achieved for commercialisation.

 Entitled, “ALGAL BIOFUELS – ROAD TO FULL-SCALE COMMERCIAL OPERATION” the roundtable discussion will touch on:

• How to achieve target production costs?
• Transitioning from pilot test to commercial production – How to avoid the “Valley of Death”
• What business models will give appropriate returns?
• Project development risks and challenges
• Vertical Integration or Geographical Expansion?
• Technology Licensing or International Partnerships?
• Forming strategic partnership in the value chain

Algae Biofuels will continue in their mercurial rise as the most ‘high profile’ algae application in the algae business today. 2nd Algae World Asia looks beyond the hype to examine the real picture, and pinpoint key opportunities and challenges.

Those keen on participating in 2nd Algae World Asia can >>CLICK HERE<<  to confirm their seats at Asia’s most influential Algae industry conference.

We’re releasing Highlights of Algae World 2009 as “Algae World Snippets”! Top Algae Experts Address concerns on Algae Commercialization.

Algae are gaining increasing interest as a feedstock for sustainable biofuel production, and have advantages over other conventional sources of biomass. However, as the experts addressed participants’ questions, pressing problems and challenges for commercial algal biofuels production came to light.

We are happy to share with you some key issues raised during the Discussion Roundtables. “Algae World Snippets” are Short Video recordings that present a snapshot of what industry experts have to say on pressing issues. The Algae World Snippets are illustrations of the quality of insights you can expect at 2nd Algae World 2009, on September 29-30!

Financing, Research, Strain Selection & Partnerships are Focal Points of Algae World Snippets.

While a wide variety of questions were asked by the audience at Algae World 2009, themes like Financing, R&D, Algal Strain Selection, Industrial Partnerships and developing a viable business model were the main concerns.

Algae World Snippets represent the memorable moments and highlights of the Discussion Roundtables and Q&A sessions at Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam.

Hear our Experts’ share on the following topics.

Confirm your participation at 2nd Algae World 2009, which convenes on September 29-30, 2009! Visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/upcoming-event/ for more information on how you can Sign UP for 2nd Algae World Asia 2009 right away!

We would like to extend special thanks to our speakers and delegates for supporting  Algae World 2009; along with our event partners and supporting organizations, you have helped make Algae World 2009 a resounding success!

Algae World 2009 convened on 27-28 April 2009 in Rotterdam. Conference delegates & panelists came together to discuss and exchange ideas on moving beyond and overcoming technical, organizational and financial challenges, as well as triumphing over the uncertain years ahead.

The Financier Panel’s review of the Impact of tighter credit markets on cleantech private equity investment, Financing models and Investors/Lenders Risk Appetite was the most closely watched presentation at the conference. The timely panel discussion addressed current uncertainties, pinpointed investor expectations and offered practical advice building a commercially sustainable algae business model.

Top Algae researchers Prof. Dr. Rene Wijffels, Head Bioprocess Engineering at Wageningen University & Research Centre and Prof. Mario R. Tredici, Agrarian Biotechnology Department, University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze) shared the latest R&D in Algal production and yields enhancement, providing a sneak preview into the future of the industry.

Other industry leading Algae companies also shared their insights on opportunities and challenges of algae production, giving participants invaluable insights on economics and technologies of various production and conversion systems, managing an efficient value chain, algae market potential and applications, technological innovations, techniques of algal oil extractions and other essential issues that will catapult algae into the next level of commercialisation.

In short, Algae World 2009 was a fast-paced, informative, inspiring, insightful, interactive and truly rewarding experience for all who participated.

At least, that is what the over 120 top Algae executives who attended Algae World 2009 are telling us!

A representative from EBRU shared that Algae World 2009 was “a great ‘point-of-reference’ from which to gauge/progress and innovation within the area of Algae field.”

Other testimonials:

“Provided a good range of opportunities and challenges across the range of algae” Blubayou Management Ltd

“An informative, question raising forum” Bord na Mona Plc

“An excellent overview of the issues relating to entering into the algae industry” New Horizon Capital

“More understanding about Algae industry” Energy Research and Development Institute

“The speakers are excellent” National Feedlot Corporation

“Up to date information with technology & understanding” IDDS

With many opportunities for networking, an excellent panel of Algae industry experts, and a Bonus Site Visit to Ingrepro BV’s algae facility in Borculo, Algae World 2009 was a truly memorable experience for all involved!

As the Renewable East’s representative summed up, “Algae World 2009 was a first class networking event, with highly relevant insight from leading experts in the field.”

Do you want to be a part of the AlgaeWorld 2009 experience? Then make sure you mark your calendars for the Asian leg of the conference, which will convene on September 29-30 in Bangkok, THAILAND. Contact us at injleep@cmtsp.com.sg for more information on 2nd Algae World Asia!

Industrial Ecology In Practice.com

We have just confirmed the dates for the 2nd AlgaeWorld Asia. The conference will convene on 29-30 September in Bangkok, THAILAND to explore the dynamics of the rapidly evolving algae industry in Asia, and showcase the region’s most successful Algae business models.

Working away from the spotlight, Asia has quietly developed her Algae industry into a multi-million dollar high technology industry. Seaweed, already multi-billion dollar industry in Asia, is also being considered as an option for sustainable bio-energy.

Countries like South Korea have pledged to invest over $275 million over the next decade to grow seaweed forests off its coast and increase the country’s ability to produce biomass energy. The biomass would be used to produce a target of 400 million gallons of ethanol per year by 2020 or roughly 10 percent of the country’s petroleum-based fuel usage.

Asia also represents a tremendous market for Algae Biofuels. In an interview with the UK’s Guardian news agency, Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginOil and AlgaeWorld alumnus said he was “most bullish about Asia” when it comes to Algae biofuels.

“The market’s going to go well ahead of regulation,” he said, adding that algae technology — once it is ready and can be done at a competitive cost — will succeed on its merits and on existing subsidies.

2nd AlgaeWorld Asia explores upcoming opportunities in Asia, and spotlights Asia’s successful Algae businesses, to give you the necessary edge to maximise the potential of your algae business.

As participants at 2nd AlgaeWorld Asia, you will get:

• A techno-commercial look at the algae-value chain
• An overview into algae applications in carbon sequestration, water remediation, Biogas production, Biochemicals, Biodiesel & Bioethanol, Animal Feed, Functional Food etc…
• An evaluation of the Open system vs. Closed system and hybrid systems for growing algae
• Best industry practices for improving algae productivity and photosynthetic efficiency.
• A roundup of the latest innovations and breakthroughs in algal harvesting and processing.
• A focused discussion on structuring your algae venture to obtain financing.

2nd AlgaeWorld Asia will also be Asia’s most important Algae industry networking event, where you will meet key executives from the power, petrochemicals, fertilizer, cement, distilleries, venture capitalists, financial institutions, transportation companies, commercial airline companies, oil companies, biofuel producers, energy producers, refineries, government agencies, universities and research institutions.

>>CLICK HERE<< now to visit our registration page. Confirm your team’s participation at 2nd AlgaeWorld Asia and become a part of Asia’s most important Algae networking and idea exchange platform.

On that note, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to increase your organisation’s profile in the industry, and demonstrate your latest technologies and findings to the sector’s most influential players and your potential clients.

Do email us at cynthia@cmtsp.com.sg and we will be more than happy to discuss customised media partnership and sponsorship packages with you. We can also arrange for exhibition and display space as per your requirements.

Dr. Dominique Duche is the Executive Director of Centre d’Etude et de Valorisation des Algues (European Research Centre for Algae).

His specialty is in marine and inland sea produce production, management of algae, fish and shrimp hatcheries and ongrowing farms, provides technical consultancy, feasibility studies and implementation of production and processing/packaging units, and technical, economic and financial audits.

Dr Duche obtained his doctorate degree in animal nutrition from University of Paris IV

Algae World 2009 Rotterdam Speaker
Day 1 – Monday, April 27
14:35  FRENCH SEAWEEDS APPLICATIONS: TRADITION & INNOVATIONS                

ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercial production of Algae, with in-depth focus on the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam from April 27-28, 2009 please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/ .

Eric De Muylder is Director of CreveTec. He is a consultant for aquafeed formulation, raw material development and aquafeed production. He has done research on the utilisation of macro-algae in shrimp feeds and micro-algae in green water technology for post-larval shrimp.

Algae World 2009 Rotterdam Speaker
Day 1 – Monday, April 27
16:45  UTILISATION OF MICRO & MACRO ALGAE IN AQUACULTURE NUTRITION                

ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercial production of Algae, with in-depth focus on the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam from April 27-28, 2009 please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/ .

Claudia Doets is based in Ecofys’ Utrecht office and works on strategic carbon finance advise, capacity building and the whole project cycle for projects wanting to commercialise greenhouse gas reductions. Ms. Doets holds a MSc in tropical forestry from Wageningen University.

The project work ranges from methodology development, initial assessments, writing project documents to assistance throughout validation and registration at the UNFCCC or voluntary carbon standards.

Apart from the work, Claudia was involved in policy advice to the Dutch Ministry of Environment, the British Office of Climate Change, WWF Climate Programme and the Gold Standard. She has given strategic advise in carbon finance to Philips and OneCarbon.

Before starting to work with Ecofys she worked for the Netherlands Development Organisation SNV Vietnam as specialised carbon finance adviser in the forestry sector.

During her three and half year stay in Vietnam she developed in depth understanding of the UNFCCC, Kyoto and CDM from the perspective of developing countries.

Algae World 2009 Rotterdam Speaker
Day 2 – Tuesday, April 28
09:05  HOW CAN ALGAE PROJECTS QUALIFY FOR CARBON CREDITS?                

ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercial production of Algae, with in-depth focus on the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam from April 27-28, 2009 please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/ .

Prof. Mario Tredici is full professor of Microbiology at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Florence. He founded the spin-off company Fotosintetica & Microbiologica Srl. He has been President of the Int. Society of Applied Phycology and consultant for the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, the International Energy Agency, the oil companies ENEL SpA, Enitecnologie SpA in the field of algae. He has been Technical Advisor of the “International Network on Biofixation of CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Abatement with Microalgae” and is member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Aurora Biofuels.

Algae World 2009 Rotterdam Speaker
Day 2 – Tuesday, April 28
10:35  ROUNDTABLE: DESIGN & ECONOMICS OF OPEN PONDS VS. CLOSED PHOTOBIOREACTOR / HYBRID SYSTEM
11:20  ROUNDTABLE: TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS             

ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercial production of Algae, with in-depth focus on the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam from April 27-28, 2009 please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/ .

Prof. Dr. Ir. René H. Wijffels is professor in Bioprocess Engineering at Wageningen University. He holds an MSc in the field of Environmental Technology and a PhD in Bioprocess Engineering, both obtained at Wageningen University.

In 2005 he obtained the VICI-grant from the Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research on the topic ‘Photosynthetic Cell Factories’. 

In 2008 a large research program was started within the Technological Top Institute Wetsus on biodiesel production by microalgae.

Since 2007 René is chairman of the Bioprocess Engineering Group. We work on a variety of applications:

• pharmaceuticals: bacterial and viral vaccines, animal cell proteins, bioactive compounds from sponges, bio-insecticides against the malaria muscito
• food ingredients: anti-oxidants, ?-3 fatty acids, novel food proteins
• bulk chemicals: butanol, biopolymers
• biofuels: bioethanol and biodiesel

Algae World 2009 Rotterdam Speaker
Day 2 – Tuesday, April 28
11:20  ROUNDTABLE: TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS   

ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercial production of Algae, with in-depth focus on the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam from April 27-28, 2009 please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/ .

Ecofys is a leading knowledge and innovation company in the field of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change. It delivers research and service solutions from product development to implementation management. Ecofys’ clients are energy companies, financial institutions and corporate businesses, governments and local authorities, international institutions, project developers, housing associations, building companies and energy consumers around the world.
Ecofys is part of Econcern, whose mission is: ‘a sustainable energy supply for everyone’. Ecofys (www.ecofys.com)

Speaker Profile
Sjors van Iersel (MSc) is, since July 2008, a consultant at the Bio-Energy department of Ecofys Spain. He has been mainly involved in projects concerning algae related business development, the main topic of his focus. Previously, he has been working as an algae-expert freelance consultant for Ecofys, being involved in a project on the global potential of marine biomass as a source of renewable energy, among others. In 2007 he performed a comprehensive 4 month study for Ecofys concerning the renewable energy applications of algae, focussing on both the technological and economic aspects. Sjors holds an MSc degree in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University, The Netherlands, with a specialisation in Environmental Technology.

Overview of presentation
This presentation will focus on the worldwide potential of Energy from Algae, both on- and off-shore. Some of the results from projects performed for the Dutch Ministry of Environment and the FAO will be presented and specific attention will be given to the greenhouse gas balances of different cultivation concepts as well as to other sustainability opportunities and risks.

Algae World 2009 Rotterdam Speaker
Day 1 – Monday, April 27
17:15  WORLDWIDE POTENTIAL OF ALGAL BIOENERGY 

ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercial production of Algae, with in-depth focus on the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam from April 27-28, 2009 please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/ .

Dr. Amha Belay is a leading expert in microalgal biotechnology in general and Spirulina (Arthrospira) in particular. He has an extensive experience in mass culture of algae and in the eco-physiology of algae in nature. He did his Ph. D. at the Universities of London and North Wales, UK, under the late Professor G. E. Fogg, F.R.S.  He was Associate Professor and Head of the Biology Department at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He was also a senior research fellow at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Pallanza, Italy, a visiting researcher at the Freshwater Institute in Windermere, UK, and a senior Fulbright Fellow at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Belay is currently Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Earthrise Nutritionals.

Algae World 2009 Rotterdam Speaker
Day 1 – Monday, April 27
10:20  CONSIDERATIONS & CHALLENGES OF MANAGING LARGE SCALE ALGAE FARM 

ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the commercial production of Algae, with in-depth focus on the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting & processing. To find more about Algae World 2009 in Rotterdam from April 27-28, 2009 please visit http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/.

Leading Algae industry experts Ir. Carel Callenbach and Marc Van Aken will share valuable insights on the current state of Algae biofuel production, algae harvesting and other critical industry factors during a free webinar broadcast live on April 14, 2009 at 12pm GMT/8am EDT.  They’ll also be answering questions from participants. To register for this free event, visit:  http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/webinar2/

Rotterdam, April 2, 2009 – It is an exciting and challenging time to be involved with the effort to produce energy and fuel from Algae. Still, with all that’s happening in the world, some might be concerned that the commercialization of Algae as a viable alternative to oil is at a crossroads. 

Certainly the global recession is taking its toll on industries across the board, including the Algae Biofuel and alternative energy industries.

With all this in mind, Algae World 2009 is pleased to announce a free webinar to be broadcast live on April 14, 2009 at 12pm GMT/8am EDT. During this ground-breaking event, industry experts Ir. Carel Callenbach, managing director of Ingrepro B.V. and Mr. Marc Van Aken, CEO of SBAE Industries NV will share their perspective on how the Algae industry can meet today’s challenges head on.

Mr. Callenbach, with nine years industry experience, is eager to speak about algae energy and commercial algae cultivation.  The way he puts it, “Many people are talking about Algae, and yet, people don’t know what the real answers are.  I want to talk about what business model works in the Algae business. I want to talk about the future of Algae.”

The free webinar, “Algae Opportunities, Production Challenges & Applications,” will focus on the future that Mr. Callenbach alludes to. It will examine, among other topics, the Algae value chain and how to best monetize algae production.

According to Mark Van Aken, also a moderator of this free event, “the algae industry is a young industry and is just starting to take off. It’s important that a common terminology and framework is used to help shape the industry so that people are able to make sense of it.”

Mr. Van Aken has developed and patented both indoor and outdoor algae growing platforms and brings a unique point of view that most in the industry find refreshing. 

During the webinar, he wants each participant to get their most pressing concerns about algae growth addressed, including the use of algae as Biofuel, getting oil from algae and other commercial uses for green algae.  

Both Mr. Callenbach and Mr. Van Aken plan to answer the tough questions on this webinar and expect many of today’s important issues to be covered such as:

• The impact of the global recession on the Algae industry
• Progress in commercial algae cultivation, harvesting and processing technologies
• Opportunities and challenges for algae-derived products
• Scientific and technical hurdles that must still be overcome

Be prepared for an action-packed webinar that is sure to provide valuable insights from two of the Algae industry’s key decision makers. You can register for free by visiting http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/webinar2/.

The webinar is being presented by Algae World 2009. Their goal and promise is to deliver the most current information on advances and challenges to commercial Algae cultivation, harvesting and processing. 

This year’s conference will be held in Rotterdam on April 27-28 and features several notable speakers from companies including Blue Marble Energy, Biocentric Energy Algae LLC, NoriTech Seaweed Biotechnologies Ltd., and many others.

Algae World 2009 is a must attend forum dedicated to mapping the entire algae value chain, from cultivation to application, and will give your Algae business the edge to stay ahead in a very competitive environment. You can register for Algae World by visiting:  http://www.futureenergyevents.com/algae/attend/.

About Algae World
ALGAE WORLD 2009 is a conference dedicated towards providing objective insights on the Business opportunities, as well as the latest advances and constraints in Algae cultivation, harvesting and processing. Algae World is organized by the Centre for Management Technology whose mission is to provide access to the latest technology and business intelligence through high profile alternative energy conferences.

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Contact
Centre for Management Technology
Nadia Albahar
+65-63469114
nadia@cmtsp.com.sg