Ocean into Motion

Big Island

Photo courtesy of Shell University of Hawaii assistant professor Zackary Johnson displays a light device that stimulates algae growth.

There aren’t many fuel sources that are as green as algae, literally. Abundant and fast growing, the marine plant material can double its mass several times a day and produce at least 15 times more oil (used to produce biodiesel) per hectare than alternatives such as rape, palm soya or jatropha. In addition, since algae needs large quantities of CO2 to fuel these growth rates, cultivation facilities can be operated in conjunction with industrial facilities such as power plants to “capture” the greenhouse gas, which is normally released into the atmosphere. Moreover, the processed algae biomass, with its oil extracted, is still filled with plenty of protein, making it a safe and nutritious form of animal feed.

Last December, researchers at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) took a big step in turning algal biofuel theory into reality, with the formation of the startup company Cellana. A joint venture between international energy giant Royal Dutch PLC and Hawaii-based HR Biopetroleum, Cellana has begun construction of a 6-acre demonstration facility at NELHA. The facility, located near existing commercial algae enterprises, will grow only non-modified, marine microalgae species in open-air ponds using proprietary technology.

“We understand a lot of the technology, so there are no fundamental problems to be solved. We’ll be working on engineering problems,” says Barry Raleigh, president of HR Biopetroleum. “Basically, every step of the process will be improved so we can bring the cost down and algal biofuels can compete with fossil fuels, which is getting easier all the time, by the way.”

According to Raleigh, construction is expected to be completed within a year and, once up and running, the Kona facility will have a staff of approximately 40.

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