Plans to build and operate a pilot-scale algae-based integrated biorefinery that will convert CO2 into ethanol, were announced yesterday (29th June) by Algenol Biofuels, Inc and the Dow Chemical Company. The announcement follows Algenol's submission, last week, of a formal request  to obtain a grant from the US Department of Energy for financial support to conduct the pilot programme.

"This project and the innovative technology involved offers great promise in the battle to help slow, stop and reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions," stated Andrew N. Liveris, Dow chairman and chief executive officer.  "We are very excited to be part of this ground-breaking alternative energy project, which is a good example of Dow's holistic approach to CO2 capture and storage by adding value through chemistry."

In addition to leasing the land for the pilot-scale facility, to be located at Dow's Freeport, Texas site, the company plans to develop the advanced materials and specialty films for the photobioreactor system.  In addition, Dow will also provide the technology and expertise related to water treatment solutions and will provide Algenol with access to a CO2 source for the biorefinery from a nearby Dow manufacturing facility.  The CO2 will be supplied to the algae in the photobioreactors and will serve as the carbon source for the ethanol produced.