Sapphire Energy News

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to keynote Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference

Jim Lane, BiofuelsDigest — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:23:22 GMT

In Florida, Biofuels Digest announced that US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will deliver the principal keynote address at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference, which runs April 2-5 at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC

150+ companies make early commitments to 2012 Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference

Jim Lane, BiofuelsDigest — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:21:04 GMT

In Florida, Biofuels Digest released the names of more than 150 companies that are, to date, committed to participating in the 2012 Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference, which will take place April 2-5, 2012 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.

Obama’s 2013 US Budget: what’s in there for the bioeconomy?

Jim Lane, BiofuelsDigest — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:56:07 GMT

In Washington, the Obama Administration released its 2013 budget request. Highlights for bio-based industry include:

Aviation and military biofuels: new thinking on finance, fuels

Jim Lane, Biofuels Digest — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:17:36 GMT

The US Navy, and a group of international airlines, struggle to foster sustainable, affordable aviation biofuels — the Navy for warfighting, the airlines for carbon-fighting.

New thinking in finance may finally clear the runways for take-off.

Report: California’s ‘Green Economy’ Fares Better Than Overall Economy

Ed Joyce, KPBS — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:10:00 GMT

San Diego’s Biotech Firms Lead Green Jobs Growth

San Diego was one of the top three areas in California where green jobs remained strong.

An economic research and consulting organization, Collaborative Economics, prepared the report for Next 10, an independent, nonpartisan group which focuses on quality of life issues.

Algal Biomass Organization Launches AllAboutAlgae.com to Educate and Inspire Consumers About the Potential of Algae

Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:05:18 GMT

Comprehensive Website Offers Information, Videos and Photos About Algae's Potential as a Feedstock for Fuel, Food and Feed

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire - Feb 6, 2012) - The Algal Biomass Organization today launched AllAboutAlgae.com, a new website designed to showcase the potential of algae-based products to provide sustainable and scalable sources of food, energy and fuel. The website, developed in concert with the National Biodiesel Board provides information, videos and photos all about algae-derived products such as biodiesel, aviation fuel, biochemicals, animal feed and nutritional supplements.

Expediting Results

Erin Voegele, Biorefining Magazine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:50:10 GMT

Bioinformatics can offer efficient, automated, accelerated analysis of genetic data

Many biorefining companies engineer more than equipment and mechanical processes in technology development. They also engineer, design or breed microorganisms, whether algae, yeast or bacteria. To design the most efficient, cost-effective process technology possible, these companies must ensure that the microorganisms they employ are highly effective at performing whatever conversion necessary. This often involves extensive work with gene sequencing and analysis.

A new era of domestic energy

Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Algal Biomass Organization — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:52:21 GMT

As we move into 2012, I think everyone is in agreement the world needs more fuel – of any type. Cambridge Energy Research Associates, the leading analyst group for the petroleum industry, estimates that by 2030, the world will demand 35 million barrels per day of liquids from unidentified sources—an “oil gap” that must be filled.

Top 10 Women of BioFuels

Lisa Ann Pinkerton, CleanTechies Guest Author — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:56:21 GMT

As the founder of the Bay Area networking group, Women In Cleantech & Sustainability, I am keenly interested in learning about who the media thinks as being the most influential women in the field. However, it feels like every top ten list for women in Cleantech always lists the same lovely ladies. This is not to say that the women are not contributing massively to the effort of clean technology, they are. And there are so many more women in the field!

Algae-based fuels may soon gush from the desert

Kevin Robinson-Avila, New Mexico Business Weekly — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:41:16 GMT

Algae ponds are starting to color New Mexico’s desert landscape green.

Sapphire Energy Inc., which uses a proprietary process to turn algae oil into renewable gasoline to replace fossil fuels at the pump, broke ground last June on a 300-acre commercial demonstration facility in Columbus.

Groundwork Has Been Laid At Sapphire Energy

Marvin Tessneer, Las Cruces Bulletin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:35:49 GMT

Sapphire Energy is constructing an integrated algal bio-refinery (IABR) to produce green crude oil on a site near Columbus, N.M., in Luna County, the first commercial facility in the country, according to a company newsletter. Sapphire, which is headquartered in San Diego, also operates a 22-acre test and development facility in Las Cruces’ West Mesa Industrial Park.

Two bright-green projects are budding in southern New Mexico

Kevin Robinson-Avila, New Mexico Business Weekly — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:08:16 GMT

Two bright-green projects are budding in southern New Mexico.

Algae Biofuels Inject Money Into San Diego’s Economy

Erik Anderson, KPBS — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:00:44 GMT

SAN DIEGO — A survey by the San Diego Association of Governments found the algae biofuels industry is responsible for 466 local jobs. That's a significant jump over the 210 jobs that existed two years ago. SANDAG's review said local efforts are responsible for a $41 million payroll and another $80 million in economic impacts. The impact will reach far beyond San Diego's borders.

The 7 Paths of the New Agriculture

Jim Lane, Biofuels Digest — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:15:51 GMT

Biofuels booming? It’s not just the new transformative processing technologies, it’s the new agriculture.

Here’s what’s going on, by whom, and where, when and why.

Forbes Mag's Most Promising Companies List Includes Green Companies

SustainableBusiness.com News — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:06:38 GMT

Amidst the hamburger outlets and online survey providers that won coveted spots on Forbes Magazines' America's Most Promising Companies list are a bunch of interesting green companies.

They demonstrate the variety of innovative ideas that are successfully making it in the market these days.

Sapphire Energy Out to Prove That Crud Can Take On Crude

Dr. Christine M. English, United States Department of Energy — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:42:41 GMT

For most people, the notion that the green gunk coating various pond and river bottoms is a potential fuel source sounds like science fiction. But the fact is, several projects sponsored by the Energy Department are actively developing various ways to turn that “green gunk”, called algae, into a renewable and sustainable transportation fuel that will help reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.

Sapphire Energy Installs Custom-Made Software from CLC bio for Biofuel Research

CLC bio — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:22:47 GMT

SAN DIEGO & AARHUS, Denmark--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CLC bio, the market-leading bioinformatics sequence analysis software provider, today announced that Sapphire Energy, Inc. has installed a custom-made bioinformatics solution from CLC bio in their research center in San Diego. Sapphire Energy is at the forefront of the biofuel industry with the potential to radically change the world's energy landscape with 'Green Crude' - a renewable crude oil that is a result of a proprietary process of turning sunlight, CO2, and algae into green oils to be refined into fuel.

The Top 100 People in Biofuels and Bio-Industry, 2011-12

Jim Lane, Biofuels Digest — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:20:58 GMT

As with last year, we are putting a list of the Top 100 People in Bioenergy together, but as with all Digest rankings and lists, we’d like you to participate.

We’d like you to suggest as many people as you like, and in a few sentences explain why you think they are amazing, important, unforgettable or otherwise transformative people to know in bioenergy or bio-industry.

Sapphire Energy aims to transform photosynthesis in new research

Thomas Saidak, Biofuels Digest — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:35:01 GMT

In California, Sapphire Energy announced that Nucleic Acids Research Journal has published its white paper, “An exogenous chloroplast genome for complex sequence manipulation in algae.” Chloroplast genomes present a unique opportunity for the field of synthetic biology. In a single, relatively small molecule, they encode the most important genes of photosynthesis, nature’s principle method for converting sunlight into chemical energy.

These naturally minimized, manipulable genomes are of great interest for metabolic engineering for foods, fuels, and myriad bio-products, and are ideally suited target for synthetic biology.

Sapphire Energy publishes scientific paper on chloroplast genome

Erin Voegele, Biorefining Magazine — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:25:46 GMT

Calif.-based Sapphire Energy Inc. recently announced that its white paper has been published by Nucleic Acids Research Journal, a scientific publication. The white paper, titled, “An exogenous chloroplast genome for complex sequence manipulation in algae,” outlines the methodology for the design, construction, modification and cellular introduction of the chloroplast genome from the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Chloroplasts, found in plants and algae, are responsible for producing organic molecules from atmospheric carbon dioxide.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY NAMED BY FORBES AS ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST PROMISING COMPANIES

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:26:16 GMT

Identified as One of 16 Companies to Watch with Under $1 Million in Sales

San Diego, CA (Dec. 6, 2011) –Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based crude oil, today announced that the company has been chosen by Forbes for its list of America’s Most Promising Companies, and was also identified as one of 16 early-stage companies to watch, all of which have revenue under $1 million.

2012 Could Determine Future Of Algae As Fuel

Erik Anderson, Nicholas McVicker, KPBS — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:41:34 GMT

Soaring oil prices and more than a billion dollars in public and private money put algae biofuels on the map in San Diego two years ago. The possibility that diesel fuel could be grown ignited a race among several local companies. Next year will be critical for a fledgling industry hoping to create a "Green Bullet."

NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH JOURNAL PUBLISHES SAPPHIRE ENERGY PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH PAPER ON A CHLOROPLAST GENOME FROM GREEN ALGAE

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:10 GMT

Nucleic Acids Research Journal Publishes Sapphire Energy

Peer-Reviewed Research Paper on a
Chloroplast Genome from Green Algae

Research Enables Improvements in Genetic Diversity in all Regions of a Chloroplast Genome
with Potential Applications for other Photosynthetic Organisms

San Diego, CA (Dec. 5, 2011) – Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based crude oil, today announced that Nucleic Acids Research Journal has published its white paper, "An exogenous chloroplast genome for complex sequence manipulation in algae." As the site of photosynthesis in plants and algae, the chloroplast is responsible for producing organic molecules from atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and is thus a crucial metabolic engineering target. Sapphire Energy cultivates algae that use sunlight and CO2 to create Green Crude, a low carbon renewable crude oil substitute that can be refined into jet fuel, diesel and gasoline.

Xconomist of the Week: 5 Questions with Sapphire Energy CEO Jason Pyle

Bruce V. Bigelow, Xconomy — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:36:25 GMT

November was a big month for news in the algae-based biofuels sector.

On November 7, roughly four months after renewable fuels were approved for use in commercial aviation, United Airlines flew passengers from Houston to Chicago aboard a Boeing 737-800 powered by a mixture of algae-based jet fuel and conventional, petroleum-based fuel. Two days later, Alaska Airlines started 75 passenger flights (with its sister airline, Horizon Air) using a biofuel blend made from recycled cooking oil.

Sapphire Energy Makes Forbes' List of 16 Companies To Watch With Under $1 Million In Sales

Forbes — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:29:15 GMT

Company rankings sell advertising but are often based on a single metric (say, revenue) and don’t take a comprehensive approach to evaluating a business’ potential. Sizing up younger, privately held firms is even trickier: Their fortunes can change very quickly, and they aren’t obliged to share their plans and finances with the public. With the help of CB Insights, a Manhattan-based research firm that tracks investment in high-growth private companies, we found 16 outfits with minimal revenue that are poised for take-off.

Sapphire Energy Makes Forbes' list of America's most Promising Companies

Brett Nelson, Forbes — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:39:41 GMT

Founded in 2007, the company is developing a replacement to crude oil called Green Crude, made from algae and able to be refined into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Has raised $100 million from Cascade Investments (Bill Gates), Welcome Trust, Venrock (Rockefeller Family), and ARCH Venture Partners, plus another $100 million in funding from the federal government.

An exogenous chloroplast genome for complex sequence manipulation in algae

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:44:43 GMT

We demonstrate a system for cloning and modifying the chloroplast genome from the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Through extensive use of sequence stabilization strategies, the ex vivo genome is assembled in yeast from a collection of overlapping fragments.

Four Days in the Algae Epicenter

Luke Geiver, Biorefining Magazine — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:56:35 GMT

To say that there was a sense of excitement or a positive buzz at the 2011 Algae Biomass Summit would be a gross understatement. Spending four days in Minneapolis amidst the largest and most impressive gathering of algae experts in academia, private business and government institutions, would convince anyone that in the algae industry today there is a whole lot more to the story than buzz or excitement. As the summit revealed, the industry is shifting to a more serious context and real-time vision of what the algae industry is, and what it has already accomplished, more so than the simple promise of dreams. More than anything, in those four days of talking with people, listening to them, admittedly overhearing conversations, it became clear that this sector is best described by two words, one of which is diversity. And the executives of five well-established algae companies exemplify the vast diversity that exists.

Bill Gates calls for massive increase in energy research

Martin LaMonica, CNET — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:44:32 GMT

Even though it's supposed to be a time of federal fiscal austerity, Bill Gates says its time to double down on energy research.

The software industry icon and philanthropist on Friday published an editorial in Science calling for a massive boost in federal energy research and development from about $5 billion a year now to $16 billion.

Out from Solyndra’s Shadow

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:06:18 GMT

Federal loan guarantees may be scuttled after the Solyndra affair – but should the baby really be thrown out with the bathwater?

Federal loan guarantee programs for bioenergy may be headed for demise – death by 1.2 trillion cuts. The recent Solyndra scandal is tailor-made to be the final nail in their coffin. But the programs’ untimely end may coincide with the first commercial successes for advanced biofuel projects, as several large-scale projects have begun to actually put steel in the ground. While the Solyndra situation shows how isolated political considerations can make a mess of any program, successful projects backed by the loan guarantees demonstrate why policymakers should keep a stable funding policy in place.

Sapphire secures USDA loan guarantee for NM algae demo facility

Erin Voegele, Biorefining Magazine — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:05:14 GMT

The USDA announced this month that it had issued a loan guarantee to Sapphire Energy Inc. The guarantee will support the development of Sapphire Energy’s demonstration-scale algae production facility in New Mexico, which will produce “green crude” oil from algae that can be refined into transportation fuel.

A Call for Urgency in Scaling Algae-based BioFuel

Lars Pardo, Green Capital — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:51:01 GMT

Summary of C.J. Warner’s Keynote address, “A Call for Urgency in Scaling Algae-Based Biofuels”:

The world faces an urgent need for more liquid energy over the next 20 years in proportions difficult to comprehend. Increasing global demand for the past decade has pushed oil prices up, and the projected shortfall by 2030 is expected to be 35 million barrels per day; nearly equal to today’s demand in the US and Western Europe. These statistics are humbling but it means we must pursue every option vigorously, especially algae, because of its scalability.

LanzaTech, Sapphire Energy, LS9 advance towards commercialization as ABM opens

Jim Lane, Biofuels Digest — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:43:13 GMT

In California, as CEOs and other advanced biofuels leaders gathered for the opening of Advanced Biofuels Markets in San Francisco, LanzaTech, Sapphire Energy and LS9 announced the achievement of key milestones in their path to commercialization. LS( made a major step-up towards scale; LanzaTech landed its first commercial customer, and Sapphire Energy closed its key USDA loan guarantee.

USDA Funds Project to Encourage Renewable Fuel Production, Job Creation in New Mexico

USDA — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:05:07 GMT

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2011--Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA has issued a loan guarantee that will allow a biofuels firm to construct a facility in New Mexico to produce "green crude" oil from algae which can be refined into transportation fuel. The project is intended to advance American efforts to provide renewable commercial-scale biofuels, increasing energy security and reducing dependence on foreign oil. The project is expected to create 60 jobs in the community of Columbus, N.M.

$54 million loan approved for biorefinery

Brook Stockberger, Las Cruces Sun News — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:41:42 GMT

LAS CRUCES - A pivotal piece has clicked into place for a California company in its efforts to create green-industry jobs in southern New Mexico by using algae to produce biofuel.

Lab-grown Green Slice Seems Poised for Prime Time

Frank Jossi, Renewable Energy World — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:04:20 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS -- Once confined to laboratories and tiny test sites, the algal industry has begun to move aggressively into creating larger farms and sophisticated production facilities capable of manufacturing thousands of gallons of biofuels and oils for a wide range of products.

AIM Interview: Sapphire Energy's C.J. Warner and Tim Zenk

David Schwartz, Algae Industry Magazine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:58:51 GMT

If it seems like there hasn’t been a lot of news lately coming from the algae industry’s largest algae-to-fuel gamble, Sapphire Energy, well, we’re happy to report that it’s not about trouble in paradise. It’s more just a lot of work being done on the inside and a lot of development work on the outside—a hundred acres worth. As for the silence, “It’s kind of like the swan swimming on the surface, looking very graceful, but with the feet going crazy under the surface. We’ve been busy scaling up!” says company President and Chairman Cynthia (C.J.) Warner, a chemical engineer who prior to joining Sapphire served as Group Vice President, Global Refining for BP, where she was instrumental in turning around BP’s US refining business.

Algae confronts its destiny and identity, at ABO Summit

Jim Lane, Biofuels Digest — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:38:14 GMT

Is it algal, or algae? Is HeteroBoost really a technology platform, not a product offered by Michele Bachmann? Is it about green premium, or green value?

At ABO, the algal biomass industry seeks the answers.

Algae Summit opening morning includes company execs, US senator

Luke Geiver, Biorefining Magazine — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:25:05 GMT

Following the supportive, humorous speech given by U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., during the opening morning of the 2011 Algae Biomass Summit could have been difficult for a group of high-ranking algae executives chosen to update a room of nearly 1,000 people on the state of the industry. Franken’s speech was a combination of standard political rhetoric with his call for algae to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuel, mixed with well-timed humor exemplified by his laugh-inducing phrases like “the United States of Algal America” and, most importantly, a strong, supportive tone in his message that “it’s time to stop subsidizing dirty energy.”

Fifth Annual Algae Biomass Summit Kicks Off With Powerful Statement of Support From Senator Al Franken (D-MN)

Algal Biomass Organization — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:26:15 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire -10/25/11)- The 2011 Algae Biomass Summit, the official conference of the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), officially opened this morning in Minneapolis with remarks by Senator Al Franken (D-MN) and other leaders on the role the algae industry can play in stimulating economic growth, enhancing national security and addressing climate change. More than 800 industry leaders and stakeholders from 20 countries are participating in the event, the world's largest algae conference.

Algae industry is bubbling up

DAVID SHAFFER , Star Tribune — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:53:33 GMT

The latest clean-tech energy contender pushes toward commercial production, even as federal money is drying up.

The ingredient list for products ranging from jet fuel to dietary supplements may soon get an unusual addition: algae.

Entrepreneurs who hope to profit from algae-growing ventures in Florida, Iowa, Hawaii and elsewhere described a broad array of commercialization plans Tuesday at an industry summit in Minneapolis.

Sapphire Energy Opens "Swag Store"

Sapphire Energy — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:54:08 GMT

Clothes That Feel Twice As Good

Wearing Clothes that support your favorite biofuels company make you feel good, but you'll feel even better knowing that the proceeds go toward Sapphire's educational outreach program.

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) to Address 2011 Algae Biomass Summit

Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:47:45 GMT

Execs From Solazyme, Sapphire Energy and USDA Round Out Keynote Speakers

Sapphire Energy lands “game-changer” award for its partnerships

Jim Lane, Biofuels Digest — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:44:18 GMT

In California, Sapphire Energy was selected as a 2011 “Game Changer of the Year” in Clean Technology by Grow-California for its impact on California’s green industry, in the category of Public/Private Partnerships. San Diego-based Sapphire Energy entered into two notable private partnerships this year.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY SELECTED AS CLEAN TECHNOLOGY “GAME CHANGER OF THE YEAR” FOR PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:51:10 GMT

San Diego, CA (Oct. 13, 2011) –Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based crude oil, today announced that the company has been chosen as a 2011 "Game Changer of the Year" in Clean Technology by Grow-California for its impact on California's green industry, in the category of Public/Private Partnerships.

California's Clean Tech "Game Changers" Announced

PR Newswire — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:40:18 GMT

Nineteen Companies Receive Top Honors as Leader's In State's Clean Tech Industry

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nineteen California companies have been chosen as the 2011 "Game Changers of the Year" in Clean Technology by Grow-California for their impact on California's green industry. The award winners were selected from more than 200 nominees.

The business of cooling the planet

Marc Gunther, Fortune — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:50:16 GMT

Climate scientists and their billionaire backers, like Bill Gates, are trying to turn down the global thermostat - and make money doing it.

TechAmerica San Diego makes nominations for annual awards

Mike Freeman, San Diego Union Tribune — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:33:44 GMT

More than 40 companies in the mix this year

TechAmerica San Diego, the local chapter of an industry trade group formerly known as the American Electronics Association, has nominated 45 local technology companies for its 18th annual High Tech Awards.

The companies were nominated in nine categories. They will be judged on technological innovation, business innovation, high quality products, success in the market, perseverance and community involvement.

Biofuel facility breaks ground near Columbus

Matt Robinson, The Deming Headlight — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:20:52 GMT

Ground has been broken and more than a half-million dollars spent on developing a pilot facility to refine algae into fuel for the U.S. military and it is all happening in southwestern New Mexico.

What's Holding You Back? 9 Ways to Spark a Breakthrough

Lindsy Van Gelder, O, The Oprah Magazine — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:18:39 GMT

Maybe you've hit a motivational wall and need to get back on track. Or maybe it's time to head down another road entirely. But how? What you're looking for is a breakthrough. Here are nine ways to make it happen.