BP and Martek Biosciences Corporation have signed a Joint Development Agreement to work on the production of microbial oils for biofuels applications. The partnership combines a broad technology platform and operational capabilities to advance the development of a step-change technology for the conversion of sugars into biodiesel.
Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Martek and BP will work together to establish proof of concept for large-scale, cost effective microbial biodiesel production through fermentation.
“Martek is pleased to partner with BP’s Alternative Energy team, to combine our unique algae-based technologies and intellectual property for the creation of sustainable and affordable technology for microbial biofuel production,” said Steve Dubin, Martek CEO. “BP’s global leadership and commitment to alternative energy solutions complements Martek’s own commitment to responsible and sustainable products and production.”
“BP is very pleased to be entering this important partnership with Martek,” says Philip New, CEO BP Biofuels. “As an alternative to conventional vegetable oils, we believe sugar to diesel technology has the potential to deliver economic, sustainable and scaleable biodiesel supplies. In partnering with Martek, we combine the world’s leading know-how in microbial lipid production with our expertise in fuels markets and applications, and our more recent experience in biofuels production and commercialization.”
The technology has been demonstrated in Martek’s field for more than 20 years and the challenge is to adapt this technology to the needs of the biofuels market, in terms of product profile and economics.
Philip New added, “This technology is also a perfect fit with our other strategic choices for biofuels, all based on sustainable feedstocks and fermentation to produce advanced biofuels. It is part of our approach of integrating sugar cane and lignocellulosic biofuels with advanced technologies to produce products with a wide range of uses.”
UK Government Extends and Broadens their “Cash for Clunkers” Program
BP has agreed to contribute up to $10 million to this initial phase of the collaboration which leverages Martek’s significant expertise in microbial oil production and BP’s production and commercialization experience in biofuels as the platform for the joint development effort. Martek will perform the biotechnology research and development associated with this initial phase, whilst BP will contribute to its integration within the biofuels value chain. All intellectual property owned prior to the execution of the JDA will be retained by each respective company, and all intellectual property developed during the JDA will be owned by BP, with an exclusive licence to Martek for application and commercialization in nutrition, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, each party is entitled to certain commercial payments from technology commercialized in the other party’s field.
Sugar to Biodiesel The sugar to biodiesel pathway uses advanced biological science to convert sugars derived from biomass into lipids using unique fermentation micro-organisms; the lipids are then converted into fuel molecules through chemical or thermocatalytic processes.
Biodiesel produced from sustainable feedstocks via the fermentation of sugars will offer the potential to deliver greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80-90% when compared to traditional fossil fuel. Other advantages of this sugar to biodiesel pathway over conventional biodiesel made from vegetable oils include:
•Access to a wide variety of biomass feedstocks such as sugar cane, sugar cane waste (bagasse), energy grass and woodchips, which can be produced at scale and in high yield.
•Use of sustainable, non-food, plant biomass as its feedstock.
•Ability to tailor the product for a variety of diesel and jet-fuel needs.
•Reduced exposure to vegetable oil price.
Martek Martek Biosciences Corporation (NASDAQ: MATK) is a leader in the development and production of high-value oils from algae and other microbial sources. Martek’s lead products are DHA and ARA oils developed and produced using patented technology. DHA omega-3 products promote health and wellness through every stage of life and ARA omega-6 products support growth and development in infants. The company produces life’sDHA™, a sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA omega-3 for use in foods, beverages, infant formula, and supplements, and life’sARA™, a sustainable and vegetarian source of ARA omega-6 for use in infant formula and growing-up milks. For more information on Martek Biosciences, visit www.martek.com. For more information on products containing life’sDHA and life’sARA, visit www.lifesdha.com
Biodiesel from the Fermentation of Sugar Process under Development
Showing posts with label BioDisel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BioDisel. Show all posts
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Kinder Morgan Begins Biodiesel Shipments on Oregon Pipeline
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:KMP) today announced it has started commercial transportation of blended 2 percent biodiesel (B2) through its 115-mile Oregon Pipeline that runs from Portland to Eugene. The company recently completed a successful test batch by moving B2 through the pipeline. Upon receipt of B2 at both its Portland and Eugene facilities, extensive tests were performed on the biodiesel blend to ensure that the samples met specifications. Kinder Morgan’s Oregon line is one of only a few pipelines in the United States able to regularly transport blended biodiesel, as this pipeline does not transport jet fuel, thereby eliminating the potential for “trailback” of product into subsequent jet fuel batches.
“This new biodiesel shipment capability will help diesel fuel suppliers throughout Oregon meet a state biodiesel mandate that goes into effect on Oct. 1,” said KMP Products Pipeline President Tom Bannigan. “We are transporting B2 in a way that’s operationally efficient, quality controlled and cost effective.”
The first commercial batch of approximately 100,000 barrels of B2 was created using a newly installed blending system to inject B99 into ultra low sulfur diesel at the company’s Willbridge terminal in Portland. Other area terminals are expected to be able to deliver B2 to the Kinder Morgan pipeline.
Kinder Morgan has undertaken additional renewable fuels projects at several of its Pacific Northwest facilities, including improvements to allow for the blending of biodiesel at the truck-loading rack at the Willbridge terminal and into barges at the Linnton terminal in Portland, which handled the first regional barge-load of B2 for upriver movement to Umatilla, Ore. In the company’s Southeast operations, Plantation Pipe Line Company (operated by Kinder Morgan), became the first pipeline in the country to transport biodiesel for commercial purposes in June.
KMP – Oregon Biodiesel
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:KMP) is a leading pipeline transportation and energy storage company in North America. KMP owns an interest in or operates more than 28,000 miles of pipelines and 170 terminals. Its pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, CO2 and other products, and its terminals store petroleum products and chemicals and handle bulk materials like coal and petroleum coke. KMP is also the leading provider of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery projects in North America. One of the largest publicly traded pipeline limited partnerships in America, KMP has an enterprise value of approximately $25 billion. The general partner of KMP is owned by Kinder Morgan, Inc., a private company, www.kindermorgan.com.
Kinder Morgan Begins Biodiesel Shipments on Oregon Pipeline
“This new biodiesel shipment capability will help diesel fuel suppliers throughout Oregon meet a state biodiesel mandate that goes into effect on Oct. 1,” said KMP Products Pipeline President Tom Bannigan. “We are transporting B2 in a way that’s operationally efficient, quality controlled and cost effective.”
The first commercial batch of approximately 100,000 barrels of B2 was created using a newly installed blending system to inject B99 into ultra low sulfur diesel at the company’s Willbridge terminal in Portland. Other area terminals are expected to be able to deliver B2 to the Kinder Morgan pipeline.
Kinder Morgan has undertaken additional renewable fuels projects at several of its Pacific Northwest facilities, including improvements to allow for the blending of biodiesel at the truck-loading rack at the Willbridge terminal and into barges at the Linnton terminal in Portland, which handled the first regional barge-load of B2 for upriver movement to Umatilla, Ore. In the company’s Southeast operations, Plantation Pipe Line Company (operated by Kinder Morgan), became the first pipeline in the country to transport biodiesel for commercial purposes in June.
KMP – Oregon Biodiesel
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:KMP) is a leading pipeline transportation and energy storage company in North America. KMP owns an interest in or operates more than 28,000 miles of pipelines and 170 terminals. Its pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, CO2 and other products, and its terminals store petroleum products and chemicals and handle bulk materials like coal and petroleum coke. KMP is also the leading provider of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery projects in North America. One of the largest publicly traded pipeline limited partnerships in America, KMP has an enterprise value of approximately $25 billion. The general partner of KMP is owned by Kinder Morgan, Inc., a private company, www.kindermorgan.com.
Kinder Morgan Begins Biodiesel Shipments on Oregon Pipeline
ALGAE-FUELED CAR COMPLETES 3,750 MILE CROSS COUNTRY TOUR
ALGAE-FUELED CAR COMPLETES 3,750 MILE CROSS COUNTRY TOUR
NEW YORK, – Indicating the true start of the Green Age, Sapphire Energy, the leader in algae-based renewable fuel, joined with the team behind the award winning film FUEL, to complete the first cross-country car tour fueled by a blend of algae-based gasoline in an unmodified engine. The Algaeus completed its 10-day, 3,750 mile US tour that started in San Francisco and arrived into New York City today, September 18th.
The Algaeus represents a tangible peek into the very near future. Sapphire Energy provided the fuel, containing a mixture of hydrocarbons refined directly from algae-based Green Crude and extracted through Sapphire’s proprietary process. The vehicle is based on a 2008 Toyota Prius that has been given an added battery pack, a plug and an advanced energy management system. The Algaeus got an average of 147 mpg city in PHEV (plug in electric hybrid) mode and 52mpg highway in hybrid mode on the cross country tour.
“America has the opportunity to usher in a new, prosperous Green Age, by moving from ‘black’ to ‘green’ crude, while bettering the environment and solidifying energy security,” describes Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy CEO. “We have all that we need at home to produce fuels from algae at a commercial scale in just a few years. The Algaeus is an example of a better solution that is domestically produced and climate friendly.”
Sponsored by the Veggie Van Organization, the cross-country trip celebrates the nationwide premiere of FUEL, the movie opening in theatres this week and aims to inspire green energy solution thinking, such as the Algaeus. “I thank Sapphire Energy for the incredible technology and trust they’ve placed in our hands to take this vehicle across the country with what is, today, perhaps the most advanced fuel on planet earth,” says Josh Tickell, creator of the Veggie Van Organization and director of the movie FUEL. “We’ve been petroleum dependent for 150 years and something has to change. We can sustain every human being with this kind of new technology.”
Sappire Energy
The algae-based fuel performed flawlessly. Josh Tickell and FUEL Producer, Rebecca Harrell, were behind the wheel for the entire 10-day trip and reported back that the algae fuel blend provided a fun and reliable driving experience. “It flew up the mountain passes in Utah and Wyoming, was fast on the straight-aways, and zipped around cities with gusto,” said Tickell. The duo recorded no loss in engine power, speed or acceleration with the small engine easily producing up to 20 kW of power.
On the tour, the Algaeus was greeted by thousands of constituents and dozens of high-ranking elected officials as it dotted across the nation, pulling into Washington, DC, September 17. A Capitol Hill press conference was held by Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), co-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, members of Congress, and celebrities Carol King and James Kyson Lee (NBC’s “Heroes”), as they emphasized the absolute urgency of driving green innovation. “The advanced energy technology to revolutionize the auto industry and end our dependence on foreign oil is there,” said Congressman Israel. “Now it is time for us to put it into action.” Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA), a proponent for energy change, furthered the charge, “We must keep working to fully commercialize these technologies to ensure they are produced here in the US, so Americans and American workers see the full benefit.”
After New York, the Algaeus travels on a college educational tour with an interactive classroom retrofit “Green Energy Bus,” the Veggie Van Organization and the FUEL team. The benefits of algae will be highlighted in many on-campus screening events showcasing the thought provoking, Sundance award winning film, FUEL. Sapphire Energy and its partners hope to reach the leaders of tomorrow, inspiring students to do their part to support renewable fuel.
About Sapphire Energy:
San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms, using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Finally, Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain.
ALGAE-FUELED CAR COMPLETES 3,750 MILE CROSS COUNTRY TOUR
Monday, November 2, 2009
Make Your Own Biodiesel
Sick and tired of rising automotive and home heating fuel prices? Then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Make your own. It is easy to follow, and can be done by most people.
Q. How much does it cost per gallon? A. About $1.10 a gallon, depending on how much the consumable supplies cost you (not including initial equipment start-up cost).
Q. Can you really make fuel for your car or home heating system? A. Yes, the video focuses on making fuel for your diesel-powered vehicle, but the same fuel can be used in diesel-fired heating systems.
Q. How safe is biodiesel for your engine? A. Biodiesel is perfectly safe for your diesel-powered engine or diesel-fired heating system, if you make it correctly. You should always test your fuel or have it tested professionally before using large amounts of it. Simple tests are covered in this video.
Q. Don’t I have to know a lot of chemistry to make biodiesel? A. No. You just need to know how to measure liquids and solids accurately and how to perform simple math (multiplying, dividing, adding and subtracting).
Q. What is the process like? A. It is a mixture of cooking and a little bit of chemistry. It is very similar to making home-made beer. The video was filmed, edited and produced by someone who makes biodiesel for himself, not by some huge corporation. It might not be of the best quality, but what it lacks in glamour, it more then makes up for in information and tips.
From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank
About the Author
JOSHUA TICKELL activist, filmmaker and author of the book, From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank: The Complete Guide to Using Vegetable Oil as an Alternative Fuel, has worked as an energy and environmental media consultant for the United States Congress, members of the Australian Parliament, The Department of Energy, as well as numerous private companies and individuals. Tickell has traveled nationwide in his vegetable-oil powered “Veggie Van” and he has appeared on the USA Today Show, Dateline NBC, CNN, The Discovery Channel, National Public Radio, The Australian Broadcast Corporation, and the Los Angeles Times. His recently released, hand built, custom engineered “Veggie Car” Datsun 240z sports car will embark on its first USA Tour with Dennis Weaver in 2003.
In addition to his work with biodiesel fuel, Tickell holds an MFA in film from the Motion Picture School of Florida State University.
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