Algae for Food and Fuel – Presentation given at KMFRI in Kisumu, Kenya
June 13, 2011
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2nd Generation Biofuels, 3rd Generation Biofuels, Algae, Biofuels, energy, Fish waste, Other, Renewable Energy | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, algae biomass, algae for food, algae fuel, algae-oil, bio-diesel, bio-reactor, biodiesel, developing countries, energy, fish, Fish waste, Fishwaste, micro-algae, Renewable Energy, spirulina, Tony Piccolo ABS - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist | 
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Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Football, Fuel or FOOD?
June 3, 2011
It is a fact that one hectare of land is equivalent to about the size of two full size football fields roughly 10,000m2 or 0.01km2. What does that have to do with Energy you may ask?
The UK is using over 1.6 million hectares of land in Sub-Saharan Africa (Mali, Guinea, Senegal and Tanzania) to produce biofuel; that is the size of 3.2 million football fields or 16,000km2 (the size of Swaziland). If we then consider how much African land is being used by the EU to produce biofuels from agricultural products in Africa the number doubles to 3.2 million acres, or over ¾ the size of The Netherlands. This is due to the fact that the EU has to adhere to a target to produce 10 percent of transport energy from biofuels by 2020.
All this land which could be used to grow agricultural products is being used to grow feedstock for biofuels in countries where the main concern is to bring food to the table of hungry children this does not seem sensible, and is contributing the rise of food prices. Furthermore, the production process can emit from 3 to 6 times more greenhouse gases.
These enterprises are marginally helping development in these countries and are producing little employment for the local communities. The feed stock is grown, harvested, fuel produced and shipped out. It is not sustainable!
Recently Kenya changed its mind on the full implementation of a 50,000 hectare jathropha project near Malindi. The Kenyan franchise of the Italian company “Nuove Iniziative Industriali” has had to turn its full scale jatropha project into a small scale pilot after the Kenyan government considerably reduced the 50,000 hectare site as a consequence of protests by the Kenyan environmental groups.
Growing micro-algae for food does not interfere with land use or the production of food. Whether micro-algae is produced in photo bio-reactors, ponds or basins it will not decrease food production, It could in actual fact contribute to increasing food production if the left over biomass (after oil extraction) can be utilised as fertilizer or animal feed.
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Kisumu-Kenya
Leave a Comment » | 3rd Generation Biofuels, Algae, Biofuels, energy, Ethanol, Renewable Energy | Tagged: Algae, algae biomass, algae fuel, algae-oil, open ponds, photo bio-reactor, Renewable Energy, Sub-Saharan Africa, Tony Piccolo ABS - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Canada joins the algae race with a $5M project
June 8, 2010
While the United States and BP are desperately trying to cap the crude oil spurting out from the BP platform in the Gulf of Mexico, Canada is preparing to set up its first major algae to oil pilot plant. $5M project (US$4.7 million), have been awarded by the Government of Canada to grow, harvest and produce algal-oil in Nova Scotia.
The new algae project brings Canada in line with other countries that are also investingating the potential of algae, these beign primarily the US, but also counties in Europe like, Spain, Italy and Germany.
The National Research Council (NRC), and the Institute of Marine Sciences are the main actors in the project and they are in a unique position because they are using local species of algae, eliminating the risk to the environment. Sixty-four species have been collected and studied so far, twenty-four of these species have been brought into cultivation and about six have exceptional oil yields.
The pilot plant which should be located in Ketch Harbour Marine Research Station and will produce 50,000 litres as well as producing valuable by-products like nutriceuticals or high protein animal feed.
Some of the companies NRC will collaborate with include
- Ocean Nutrition Canada in Halifax;
- Menova Energy Inc. of Markham, Ontario;
- POS Pilot Plant from Saskatoon;
- and the international consortium Carbon2Algae Solutions (C2A)
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome-Italy
Picture: Courtesy of Wikipedia
Leave a Comment » | 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, Biofuels, Renewable Energy | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, algae biomass, algae fuel, algae-oil, algael oil, bio-diesel, bio-reactor, biodiesel, biofuel, micro-algae, open ponds, photo bio-reactor, Renewable Energy | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Aquatic Biofuels – New Options for Bioenergy
June 6, 2010AQUATIC BIOFUELS – New Options for Bioenergy
Copies of my Dissertation can be purchased through dissertation.com for $US 17 by clicking either the image on the left or the link above.
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome-Italy
Leave a Comment » | 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, Biofuels, Fish waste, Renewable Energy | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, algae biomass, algae fuel, algae-oil, bio-diesel, bio-reactor, Biofuels, catfish, developing countries, energy, Fish waste, micro-algae, open ponds, photo bio-reactor, Renewable Energy, Tony Piccolo ABS - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Algae World Summit 2010
March 17, 2010
Join the worlds leading experts in algae fuel production and learn the latest on the technologies, by attending the Algae World Summit 2010. The event will take place at the:
Hilton Del Mar, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014-1901,
Tel: (898) 792-5200
May 17, 2010 – May 19, 2010.
The event will highlight some key issues like;
- co-product algae purchasers
- oil and chemical companies
- utilities
- industrial CO2 generators
- wastewater treatment operators
- algae technology developers
- algae equipment suppliers
- algae project developers
- biofuels refiners
- financiers
- transportation companies
- and government representatives
Click here for more details
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome-Italy
Leave a Comment » | 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, Biofuels, Renewable Energy | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, algae biomass, algae fuel, CO2, energy, micro-algae, Renewable Energy, Tony Piccolo ABS - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Demo plant in Lousiana: “Aquatic Energy” to yield 9500 lts of algae oil in 4000m2 ponds:
January 18, 2010
An energy company in Lousiana, USA, called “Aquatic Energy” is making progress in the production of algae oil from micro-algae in open pond systems. The company which formerly had less than a hectare, will slowely expand into a 12 hectare demonstration project plant, which will yield about 9500 litres per hectare (approx. 4000 squared metres).
Interestingly enough more than 70% of the CO2 comes from the atmosphere and the remaining 30% is being generated from the natural gas burned in the algae plant itself (used for drying the algae). Clay soils are used as opposed to lining which makes the ponds less expensive and easier to maintain.
Mr. David Johnston the CEO of Aquatic Energy chose the location of Louisiana due to the fact that rainfall exceeds evaporation rate, giving him free access to water resources, on top of that the former rice cultivation plants which have the clay soil base are suitable for the algae growth.
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome-Italy
Leave a Comment » | 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, Biofuels, Renewable Energy | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, algae biomass, algae-oil, Aquatic Energy, biofuel, energy, Louisiana, micro-algae, open ponds, Tony Piccolo ABS - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Can micro-algae and the waste from the fishing sector be part of the solution to the liquid fuel problem?
September 15, 2009
Recently I was asked to write a paper on the subject of Aquatic Biofuels for my University’s internal Newspaper (Link Campus – University of Malta). I was then asked to re-write the paper in Italian as well. Therefore I have attached both for your ease and convenience. The paper talks a little about the origins of algae and why I feel there is so much potential in growing algae for fuel and energy. It also includes some news about fish waste for biodiesel and the integrated system, Integrated Aquaculture Energy System (IAES).
Aquatic Biofuels Link Campus article English Version
Aquatic Biofuels Link Campus article Italian Version
Your thoughts and comments are highly valued so please do not hesitate to contact me.
Tony Picclo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome – Italy
Leave a Comment » | 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, Biofuels, Fish waste | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, algae biomass, algae-oil, bio-reactor, biodiesel, biofuel, Fish waste, Fishwaste, Link Campus, photo bio-reactor, Tony Piccolo ABS - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist, University of Malta | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Fish waste to biodiesel
August 19, 2009
Here is finally my paper on fish waste to biodiesel. It has taken me a little while to get this paper out, but it is finally here. It will be part of my dissertation on Aquatic Biofuels – New Options for Bioenergy.
Your feedback on the paper would be greatly appreciated, so would any further information you have on the topic
Click here to download the word document (3.8 Mb) or download the pdf version here fishwaste-biodiesel
Tony Piccolo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome-Italy
Leave a Comment » | 2nd Generation Biofuels, Biofuels, Fish waste, Renewable Energy | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, algae biomass, Fish waste, Fishwaste | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
EMUNI Presentation on algae potential in the Mediterranean region
August 2, 2009
There is a strong potential to grow algae for fuel in the Mediterranean Region particularly in Northern Africa. The presentation above highlights the ways algae can be harvested for oil/fuel and the potential for the entire Mediterranean Region.
The presentation was given by me at the 1st EMUNI ReS (Research Souk) conference in Portoroz, Slovenia and you can download a copy of the presentation here.
Kindly leave your comments and suggestions below.an
Tony Picclo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome – Italy
Leave a Comment » | Algae, Biofuels | Tagged: Algae, algae biomass, algae fuel, algae-oil, algael oil, biodiesel, biofuel, Fish waste, Mediterranean Region, micro-algae, open ponds, photo bio-reactor, photo bio-reactors | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Solix receives $16.8 million for algae investments from China
July 2, 2009
Solix Biofuels have added another investor to their already long list of investors. The Chinese company, Shanghai Alliance Investment has recently announced a Series A capital funding for $16.8 million to Solix. The proceeds will be used to finance construction and commencement of operations at the company’s Coyote Gulch Demonstration Facility, which will be operational by late summer 2009. Dr. Bryan Willson COO of Solix, said that the company is currently at around 2500 gallons per acre, and said that the company is on track to achieve crost parity with $80 oil in 3-4 years.
The company has launched a third-generation of its bioreactors, a 20-meter system that integartes CO2 delivery and increase surface area. The system is water-supported to reduce cost. A fourth generation of photobioreactors is now under development. Willson said at the recent Biofuels: Science and Innovation conference in San Francisco that the problem with contamination of open-pond algae systems had not, in his opinion, been yet overcome.
Open ponds however, still seem the only real option for developing countries due to their lower cost. Until the technology for PBR’s is perfected and costs lowered photo bio-reactors are far from reality in developing countries.
What is your opinion? Please leave your suggestions or ideas below.
Tony Picclo – Aquatic Biofuels Specialist, Rome – Italy
Leave a Comment » | Uncategorized | Tagged: 2nd Generation Biofuels, Algae, algae biomass, algae fuel, biofuel, micro-algae, photo bio-reactor, Solix Biofuels | Permalink
Posted by Tony Piccolo - Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
Aquatic Biofuel Specialist
