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GC Rieber Oils utilizes fish oil for biodiesel
Posted On: November 8, 2011GC Rieber Oils currently possesses two plants in Kristiansund, Norway, where they refine fish oils into omega-3 oils. All processes in the refineries are driven by steam. Until recently, fuel oil from fossil fuel has been used in the steam boiler to create steam. GC Rieber Oils has found a more environmentally friendly replacement for the fuel oil.
When producing omega-3 concentrates, all omega-3-fatty acids are preserved. In fish oil there is also a rather large amount of saturated fat which from a nutritional point of view, is not interesting for further production. Using distillation, these saturated fats are being separated from the process. The waste of fatty acids can be used as biodiesel and replace today’s fuel oil. The Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency has approved our replacement of fuel oil with self-produced biodiesel.
Biodiesel from fish oils is a renewable resource, and even though the emission of CO2 will be the same, it will be CO2 neutral in the cycle considering the accounting/final statement of greenhouse gasses.
GC Rieber Oils is expecting a reduction of fuel oil of approximately 25% in 2011. Our target is a 100% replacement of fuel oil.
Marinova reports two clinical studies in pipeline
Posted On: November 7, 2011Marinova has some exciting news to report in the area of new clinical trials. Reflecting a commitment to developing novel fucoidan compounds with proven therapeutic efficacy, they have just commenced two new clinical trials. These two studies will investigate the potential of Maritech® fucoidan in the following clinical settings:
• Osteoarthritis and Inflammation
This is a large multi-site trial, directly commissioned by Marinova, to assess the ability of Maritech® fucoidan to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The trial is double randomised, placebo controlled and – in addition to pain score testing – serum samples will be tested for several key markers of inflammation. This study is being conducted at Southern Cross University (Australia) and results are expected in the second quarter of 2012.
• Integrative Oncology
At two centres in Australia, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer will take Maritech® fucoidan. The levels of chemotherapy drug in serum will be measured to assess the effects of fucoidan, including any interactions with the chemotherapy drug. Indicators of pain and improvements in quality of life will also be assessed. This study is being conducted in conjunction with the University of Tasmania and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.
German-French Algal Biofuel Initiative Launches
Posted On: October 25, 2011A joint German-French algal photobioreactor plant, built by IGV GmbH in partnership with Bioalgostral SAS (BAO), has gone into operation on the French island of La Reunion. The event also marked the signing of the contract between the partners for the delivery and establishment of an industrial plant for the production of biofuels from microalgae with a total volume of 82,000 L in 2012.
IGV GmbH, based in Nuthetal, Brandenburg, Germany, is an independent private research institution closely associated with industry, biotechnology and food processing, with 30 years of experience and development in the cultivation of microalgae, the design and construction of photobioreactors, and product developments from microalgae biomass. Bioalgostral, with headquarters in St. Clotilde, La Reunion, France, is a start-up company established in 2008 dedicated to the industrial production of biofuels from microalgae.
IGV and BAO have been working intensively together since 2010 within the framework of a co-operation agreement. The aim of the co-operation is the implementation and development of new technologies for the mass production of microalgae and the generation of bioenergy from microalgae biomass for specific projects on La Reunion. The island’s tropical climatic conditions offer excellent potential for algal growth and development, according to the two companies.
AlgaeTek Begins Development of Algae Facility in Texas
Posted On: October 6, 2011oca Raton, FL-based Atlas Capital Holdings Inc. has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, AlgaeTek Systems, Inc, has commenced development of its new high grade algae production facility located in Woodlands, TX.
“The facility is on track to be in production in the next six weeks,” said Christopher Davies, CEO of Atlas Capital Holdings. “We believe we will be able to harvest high-grade algae that will sell for an estimated $2,000 to $7,000 per pound. After its first year of generating revenue we will utilize our experience and expertise to develop another facility on a much larger scale.”
BARD Opens Algae Production Facility in Georgia
Posted On: October 6, 2011Bard Holding Inc., a U.S. based algae production company, has announced the opening of its Calhoun, Georgia facility, the first of multiple manufacturing sites the company plans to operate in Georgia.
According to Dr. Rajesh Patel, a successful practicing physician in the Atlanta metro region who partnered with BARD Holding on the expansion of algae production facilities throughout the state of Georgia, “We are proud to contribute to the region by helping revitalize the community’s industrial space and enhance Georgia’s economic productivity.”
Japanese IHI Corp. plans algae biofuel R&D firm
Posted On: July 13, 2011Heavy machinery maker IHI Corp. plans to establish a research and development company for algae biofuel in early August in conjunction with a university venture, eyeing commercial production in fiscal 2020.
Algae biofuel has been drawing attention because unlike fuels made from agricultural crops such as sugarcane and corn, it doesn’t lead to an increase in food prices, IHI said.
IHI will invest ¥400 million over two years in the joint company IHI NeoG Algae, expecting it to release sample products that may be used as an alternative to jet fuel in three years, it said.
It currently costs about ¥1,000 to produce 1 liter of oil from algae, but the joint company aims to reduce that to ¥100.
AE Biofuels acquires biotechnology company Zymetis and patented marine organism Z-microbe
Posted On: July 7, 2011AE Biofuels, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Zymetis, Inc., a Maryland-based industrial biotechnology company that develops products for the renewable chemicals and advanced fuels industries. Zymetis, Inc. will continue as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AE Biofuels.