In these tough economic times, US taxpayers are looking for results. Algae has been researched for over 50 years, using federal funds. According to most algae researchers, "it's too expensive, cannot be done and we need more research". Most also go on to say we are at least 10 years away from commercialization of algae as an alternative transportation fuel.
Government funds and contracts are being awarded to continue the research, and the researchers would like us all to think that we are at their mercy.
None of the research or technologies developed at US taxpayer expense have any value until they can be used in large-scale commercial algae production. That is why the National Algae Association exists. All NAA members and participants want to become energy independent. We are breaking down the barriers to start full scale production in the US. Research may go on but the NAA is forging ahead with commercial-scale algae production today.
NAA agrees with a recent statement made by Arizona State University Senior Vice President Rick Shangraw: "...although solar energy and hydrogen power hold great promise, algae will "deliver soon" because, in the past few years, "most of the hard science problems regarding algae have been solved." Shangraw continued by saying that "it's largely an engineering problem." (quoted with permission)
The National Algae Association will be discussing the details of the issues resolved by its Engineering Consortium in development of the plans and specifications for a 100-acre build out of algae production facilities, an update on its 2,200 acre algae production incubator, and along with presenting its CAPEX and OPEX financial models at its conference on September 23-24, 2010, Dr. Brian Hampson of CalPoly, Marco Brocken of Evodos, Joseph Holroyd of LakeMaster Corp, Victoria Kurtz of Fluid Imaging Technologies, Surijit Khanna of BARD Holding, OriginOil, Phykos, Dave Philbrook of Water Management Solutions, LLC, Dr. Matt Prufert of DRS Technologies, Mark Hanson of Stoel Rives, Serge Randhava of United Technologies, Inc., Bill Ramey of Novak Druce + Quigg, Sebastian Thomas of Parry Nutraceuticals, Bob Vitale of Waterwheel Factory, Bob Weber of Sunrise Ridge Algae, and Will Thurmond of Emerging Markets Online will all be on hand to share their new and innovative ways to help get algae out of the lab and into the market.
Hank Gilbert will discuss his Fields to Pump Biofuels Initiative, an initiative that can be implemented throughout the country. We will conclude with field trips to a commercial-scale demo PBR that is in production which was constructed with donated time and equipment, based on the years of research behind us, without any expensive patents or licensing fees.
Our conferences provide platforms for open dialogue, discussion and collaboration among like-minded algaepreneurs rather than panels talking down to the audience. We and our presenters all encourage constructive participation to help expedite the mission, and numerous national and international relationships and synergies have been formed because of the guidance and assistance that algaepreneurs provide to one another. We bring research, business intelligence and market strategies together to develop this new resource into jet fuel, biodiesel, biogasoline and bioplastics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, organic fertilizer, food and feedstock, while returning our agricultural lands to food for human consumption and helping to clean the air. National and international relationships have been formed as a result of these efforts.
Meet with others who want to be a part of a group that is committed to collaboration and sharing technologies so the algae industry can move forward towards full scale production, harvesting and extraction in Houston on September 23-24, 2010. Don't waste your time and money listening to panels tell you that it will take another 10-15 years - collaborate with the group that is coming together to make it happen today!
For additional information, contact:
National Algae Association
4747 Research Forest Drive, Suite 180
The Woodlands, TX 77381
936-321-1125
info@nationalalgaeassociation.com
