Aloha, Future!
The next step to commercial success is demonstrating sustained growth and algal oil production at scale. To accomplish this goal, we will construct and operate a 40-acre pilot facility in Hawai’i to develop, test and demonstrate all systems for the successful growth of algae and the extraction of commercial energy products.
Why Hawai’i? Energy costs in Hawai’i are the highest in the United States, and its principal source of electricity is oil-fired plants that consume more than 400 million gallons of petroleum-based fuels annually. Phycal’s system can deliver algal oil at a competitive price for the Hawai’i market.
Hawai’i offers both a market and public support for the development of biofuel. The State has announced the Hawai’i Clean Energy Initiative, establishing clear targets for both the State and local utilities’ development and use of renewable energy. Additionally, the State has established processes to facilitate regulatory approvals for development of renewable energy projects and provides tax credits to encourage investment.
The Hawai’i pilot facility will include shallow ponds for growth of algae, a processing building for extraction of oil, an anaerobic digester for conversion of biomass to methane gas, and water treatment capability. Commencing operations in 2010, the facility will deliver algal oil in volumes to complete technical qualification as a commercial product and permit system development to confirm our ability to produce at acceptable cost targets.
