Sapphire Energy's Green Crude
By: Oliver Truesdale
Some very smart people got together to discuss the downside of ethanol fuel sources. Recoginizing that cultivating plants like corn is an inefficient way to address energy, not only due to the plant's slow growth and it's depletion of agricultural land and rain forests, but also the fact that ethanol fuel actually emits more carbon dioxide than it consumes, led to a hard look at the potential of a seeming unlikely alternative, algae.
Algae, that slimy stuff that grows in our dirty swimming pools and in outback swamps, is fast becoming the star performer in the interest of reducing dependency on foreign petroleum, while looking to a greener future. A totally renewable resource, algae can be grown on a massive scale on arable land not suited for agricultural produce. Brackish or saline water can be used to cultivate it where it is then encouraged by sunlight. And growing algae creates zero conflict when it comes to using food plants for fuel rather than for food.
Why is algae gaining such popularity as a possible replacement for conventional and alternative fuel sources? Because the end product of algae cultivation produces a chemical that is identical to the molecules found in crude oil, making it absolutely compatible with our current energy infrastructure. This means that pipelines, refineries, and transport can remain as is to support the use of algae produced fuel. According to Kenneth Green of the American Enterprise Institute, "Algae biofuel is the most promising liquid replacement fuel on the horizon. The chemistry will be cracked, and the ability to grow liquid fuel all over the country will be a game-changing event."
How was algae even considered?
A group of extremely enterprising experts began to discuss alternatives to ethanol, which they felt was an inferior and ultimately non-viable energy fuel. Jason Pyle, a bioengineer and entrepreneur; Kristina Burow, a chemist and venture capitalist; and Nathanial David, a biologist, came together to discuss how to produce a high value fuel that would be environmentally feasible. They then invited Mike Mendez to join them in their research. Mendez is the scientist who created the Xenomouse, a genetically modified mouse that can produce human antibodies, and the cancer vaccine, GVAX, which is undergoing clinical trials. Steve Mayfield and Steve Briggs also came on board. The two are plant biologists, with Mayfield's focus on transgenic algae, and Briggs' on genetically modified crops. The collaboration between these innovators led to a bonding with ARCH Venture Partners, which helped launch Sapphire Energy in 2007.
Sapphire Energy's Growth
After arduous research, Sapphire Energy's conclusion to become the world's leading producer of renewable petrochemicals, with emphasis on photosynthetic microorganisms is gaining momentum. Microsoft's Bill Gates has helped Sapphire raise more than $100 million dollars. Experts from UC San Diego, Scripps Research Institute, and Scripps Institute of Oceanography are now involved. Political allies are growing in Washington, where Congress is becoming increasingly interested. An article in CNNMoney.com lauds Sapphire as being one of the most promising companies in its class.
The Future
Arizona State University researchers have evaluated the potential that algae has for use in jet fuel, and support its use on a large scale. Recently Sapphire tested its oil in a 2% blend on a Continental Airlines flight with great success. A second larger facility is being created in New Mexico with 22 acres of ponds that contain salt water supplied from an underground aquifier where Sapphire hopes to produce approximately seven barrels of oil a day.
With thousands of different strains of algae growing in Sapphire Energy's headquarters in San Diego, there is increasing support from the pillars of Green industry along with eminent minds in science and production. The concept of 100% carbon-neutral Green Crude Production is now gaining even greater viability and momentum. Perhaps the once lowly algae may soon be considered the future's gold.
Oliver Truesdale is a frequent art critic whose interests also encompass finding ways to improve life through conscious living.
