Sapphire Energy Press Releases

SAPPHIRE ENERGY ANNOUNCES CEO TRANSITION

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:47:09 GMT

Cynthia “C.J.” Warner to Succeed Jason Pyle, Consolidating the Role of President and CEO

San Diego, CA (April 19, 2012) – Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based green crude oil production, today announced Jason Pyle will step down as chief executive officer effective today. He will remain a member of the Sapphire Energy board of directors. Dr. Pyle, a respected bioengineer and entrepreneur, co-founded the company in 2007 and has been instrumental in building it into a leading force in algae-to-fuel production. Cynthia “C.J.” Warner, who has co-led the company since 2009 as president and chairman, has been named CEO, consolidating the leadership roles.

Dr. Pyle, a dedicated technologist with an M.D., Ph.D. from Stanford University, co-founded Sapphire Energy to change the world by producing a renewable crude oil from algae. His vision of “Green Crude” and “drop-in replacement fuels” have become two of the most central elements in the national pursuit of a global, sustainable alternative to crude oil imports. Dr. Pyle was a key leader at the company through its founding, technology development and unprecedented financings between 2007 and 2012, some of the most difficult and turbulent years in economic history. Today, the company is building its first active and on-schedule commercial demonstration project in Luna County, New Mexico. The Green Crude Farm, also known as the Integrated Algal BioRefinery (IABR), is the world's first commercial demonstration scale algae-to-energy facility, integrating the entire value chain of algae-based fuel, from cultivation, to production, to extraction of ready-to-refine Green Crude.

“Sapphire Energy has been a labor of love for me, and I’m extremely proud of the company we built, the technology we developed, and the capital we raised to make green crude production a reality. In just five years, we developed an entire industry. Now Sapphire has a world-class executive team, a leading technology platform, and is commissioning the world’s largest commercial demonstration facility to produce green crude for jet fuel and diesel. It’s a resounding success at every level,” said Dr. Pyle. “Now that we have recruited the most experienced Board of Directors, executive team and scientists of any company in the industry, I’ve decided that the time is right for me to move on to my next endeavor, which I will announce shortly. I have always believed that novel technology is the means by which we shall thrive and prosper in the world. I remain entirely inspired by Sapphire Energy’s mission, and I know that the company will continue to lead the algae-to-energy revolution. There are few things more important than supporting this nation’s transition to a more energy secure future.”

Prior to Sapphire Energy, Ms. Warner spent more than 27 years in energy, refining, and transportation. Most recently, she served as group vice president of global refining at British Petroleum. She is a current member of the National Petroleum Council, a federally chartered and privately funded advisory committee reporting to the United States Secretary of Energy. As CEO, Ms. Warner will expand the company’s partnerships, lead the company’s commercial demonstration, and continue the mission to bring Green Crude to a commercial reality.

“Everyone at Sapphire Energy has tremendous respect for Jason’s leadership, vision and entrepreneurship, and we have made significant accomplishments as a company during his tenure. We built the company from the ground up, creating a very strong foundation from which we can grow,” said Ms. Warner. “I look forward to continuing to build upon this solid framework and working with our best-in-class team of leaders, engineers, and scientists to optimize our company’s potential as we move into the next stages of bringing our Green Crude Farm on-line.”

About Sapphire Energy

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude – production with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae and cyanobacteria), using sunlight and CO₂ as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; are compatible with existing infrastructure; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Sapphire has an R&D facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is currently building the first Integrated Algal BioRefinery in Columbus, New Mexico.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY ANNOUNCES $144 MILLION SERIES C FUNDING

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:45:39 GMT

Investment Funding Further Advances Sapphire Energy’s Path toward Commercializing Much-Needed Alternative Fuel Resource, Algae-Based Green Crude

San Diego, CA (April 2, 2012) – Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based green crude oil production, today announced it has secured the final tranche of a $144 million Series C investment funding. The Series C backers include Arrowpoint Partners, Monsanto, and other undisclosed investors. All major Series B investors have participated. With this investment round, Sapphire Energy’s total funding from private and public sources substantially exceeds $300 million.

This round of funding is being used to directly support Sapphire Energy’s active and on-schedule commercial demonstration in Luna County, New Mexico. The Green Crude Farm, also known as the Integrated Algal BioRefinery (IABR), is the world's first commercial demonstration scale algae-to-energy facility, integrating the entire value chain of algae-based fuel, from cultivation to production to extraction of ready-to-refine Green Crude. Some proceeds from previous closes of the Series C financing already have been invested in Sapphire Energy’s continuing operations.

“The ongoing support from the private investment community speaks to how strongly they believe in the development of Green Crude as an alternative fuel resource, especially Sapphire Energy’s ability to commercialize it,” says Cynthia J. Warner, president and chairman of Sapphire Energy. “It is increasingly important to find domestically produced crude oil alternatives to improve the country’s energy security, meet global energy demands, and provide jobs. Continued private investment is a critical step in achieving these goals.”

“It’s amazing to see that what started from an idea scribbled on the back of napkin is now a leading force in support of the goal to improve energy security for the country,” explains Jason Pyle, CEO of Sapphire Energy. “Today, Sapphire Energy has a widely admired technology platform, outstanding leadership team, and significant ongoing support from the investment community, making it well positioned to achieve the goal of bringing domestically produced Green Crude oil to commercial scale.”

This announcement follows several recent partnerships and deals supporting Sapphire Energy’s continued expansion in Green Crude production. Last month, Sapphire announced it will integrate Earthrise Nutritionals’ spirulina strain into its growing inventory of cyanobacteria and algae strains to expand resources for algae-to-energy production. In May 2011, Sapphire announced a multi-year agreement with The Linde Group to co-develop a low-cost system to deliver CO₂ to commercial-scale, open-pond, algae-to-fuel cultivation systems, now underway at the Green Crude Farm. In March 2011, Sapphire and Monsanto entered into a multi-year collaboration on algae-based research projects. Sapphire also was awarded a $50 million grant from the Department of Energy and a $54.4 million dollar loan guarantee from the Department of Agriculture, providing security for a privately funded loan.

About Sapphire Energy

SAPPHIRE ENERGY TO LICENSE EARTHRISE NUTRITIONALS’ SPIRULINA FOR HIGH YIELD GREEN CRUDE PRODUCTION

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:35:10 GMT

Sapphire’s Breakthrough Processing Technology Unlocks Value in Cyanobacteria for Energy

San Diego, CA (Feb. 29, 2012) – Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based crude oil production, today announced it has entered into a licensing agreement with Earthrise Nutritionals LLC, a producer of spirulina and spirulina- based products for over 25 years. Sapphire Energy will integrate Earthrise Nutritionals’ spirulina strain into its growing inventory of cyanobacteria and algae strains for algae-to-energy production. As a result of this agreement, Sapphire Energy significantly improves its operational efficiency by expanding the range of strain choices available for producing Sapphire Energy’s Green Crude—a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based crude oil—that can be refined into diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline.

With Sapphire Energy’s proprietary processing technology, the ability to utilize spirulina, also known as "blue-green algae" or "cyanobacteria,” for green crude production is now possible for the first time. This is due to the company’s invention of new methods for processing different strains of algae and cyanobacteria that result in significantly higher oil yields than previously achievable. Until now, spirulina, has been used primarily for making nutraceuticals, such as dietary supplements, and food products. Adding Earthrise's prokaryotic strain (cyanobacteria) to Sapphire's own inventory of prokaryotic and eukaryotic (green algae) strains will enable Sapphire to produce fuel more efficiently at its Integrated Algal BioRefinery (IABR), now under construction in New Mexico.

“This agreement is an example of Sapphire Energy’s ‘whole value chain’ strategy to integrate biotechnology, agriculture and engineering to deliver a sustainable system for Green Crude production from algae and cyanobacteria,” said CJ Warner, President of Sapphire Energy. “As a respected leader in agricultural science and a pioneer in spirulina production, Earthrise Nutritionals is the right choice for us to work with as we ready our platform for marketable scale algae cultivation and oil extraction.”

“There is no doubt about the opportunity for algae-based alternative fuel, and the fact that Earthrise Nutritionals, with its long-standing expertise in cultivating blue-algae strains, can help drive its availability is a development we embrace fully,” said Hiro Mochizuki, President and CEO of Earthrise Nutritionals LLC. “We’re pleased to be working with Sapphire Energy in their effort to move the market for this much-needed resource forward.”

About Earthrise Nutritionals LLC

Earthrise Nutritionals LLC is the leader and a 25-year pioneer in the field of spirulina research, production and marketing. Located in Southern California, Earthrise is part of the worldwide DIC Group of companies. For more information on Earthrise products, visit www.earthrise.com.

About Sapphire Energy

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae and cyanobacteria), using sunlight and CO₂ as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; are compatible with existing infrastructure; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Sapphire has an R&D facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is currently building the first Integrated Algal BioRefinery in Columbus, New Mexico.

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.

“We are honored to be identified as one of only 100 elite companies on this new list from Forbes,” said Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy founder and CEO. “Founded just four years ago with a mission to develop a renewable source of oil to help wean America from its dependence on petroleum, we are delighted to receive awards of this nature that help us spread the word about the exciting economic potential of growing a new energy crop.”

Sapphire Energy cultivates algae that create renewable crude oil that can be processed in existing refineries into jet fuel, diesel and gasoline. These drop-in replacement fuels are molecularly identical to fossil fuels and are compatible with existing infrastructure and engines.

About Sapphire Energy

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. In December 2009, Sapphire was awarded nearly $104.5 million as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the USDA’s Biorefinery Assistance Program 9003 authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill.

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.

This white paper (http://bit.ly/tfgaMI) describes methodology for the design, construction, modification, and cellular introduction of the chloroplast genome from the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Using this methodology, the authors simultaneously modify multiple independent regions, including genes that encode core subunits of the photosynthetic apparatus, in the chloroplast genome of living algae cells. This work should allow for the creation of genetic diversity in all regions of a chloroplast genome, potentially in any photosynthetic organism.

"With this breakthrough, Sapphire Energy has shown that it is possible to make algae--the world's most efficient photosynthetic organism--even more efficient,” said Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy founder and CEO. “This work represents the first steps toward a novel approach for creating genetic diversity in any or all regions of a chloroplast genome, and may have applications in other plants.”

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.

At this time, Sapphire Energy is conducting advanced research into many aspects of algae growth, cultivation and lipid production in conjunction with multiple research institutions. The algae cultivated in the company’s outdoor ponds in New Mexico are not genetically modified.

About Sapphire Energy

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. In December 2009, Sapphire was awarded nearly $104.5 million as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the USDA’s Biorefinery Assistance Program 9003 authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill.

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

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:51:10 GMT

Sapphire Energy Partnerships Include Linde and Monsanto, USDA and USDOE

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.

“This Game Changer Award highlights the importance of public and private partnerships in accelerating the country’s transition to renewable fuels,” said Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy founder and CEO. “In addition, the generous federal funding we have received shows the value the United States government sees in reducing dependency on petroleum and transitioning to renewable sources of energy. They understand the impact that algae-based fuel, at scale, can and will have.”

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy entered into two notable private partnerships this year. The company is partnering with Monsanto Company to discover genes that can be applied to agriculture, particularly in the field of yield and stress, and that can accelerate the road to producing energy from algae. A multi-year collaboration with the Linde Group focuses on development of low-cost, scalable CO₂management systems to capture and transport the one key nutrient required in addition to sunlight for commercial algae production. Bringing the cost of CO₂ down is central to reducing the cost-per-gallon of algae-based fuel. “These partnerships leverage the expertise of these prestigious organizations, and enhance the capabilities of Sapphire Energy’s world class team of scientists,” added Pyle.

Sapphire Energy has received $104 million in federal funding from the US Departments of Energy and Agriculture to build and operate the world’s first Integrated Algal Biorefinery (IABR) a 300-wet acre commercial demonstration project, to show the technology readiness and scalability of Sapphire Energy’s end-to-end, algae-to-energy system. Currently under construction near Columbus, New Mexico, the four-year commercial demonstration will show the technology readiness and scalability of “Green Crude,” a renewable alternative to fossil-based crude oil. It will be operational in 2012, and when it reaches capacity in the final phase of the commercial demonstration, it will produce 1 million gallons per year of Green Crude.

The "Game Changer of the Year" awards will be presented at the Clean Tech Innovation Conference at the Kaiser Center, in downtown Oakland, November 2nd and 3rd. Award winners, in 19 categories, were selected from more than 200 nominees.

"The award winners are an elite group of clean tech innovators who represent California's path forward for maintaining its leadership role and the exciting economic potential the industry can provide for generations to come," said Jon Gregory, CEO, Grow-California, in announcing the awards.

Sapphire’s Green Crude drop-in fuels -- jet, diesel and gasoline -- are completely compatible with existing infrastructure and engines. Sapphire’s technology represents an approximate 70% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to petroleum-based equivalents.

Grow-California is dedicated to fostering jobs and creating wealth in California by connecting entrepreneurs, growth companies and market leaders with talent, capital and customers. For more information about "Game Changer" winners, visit: www.grow-california.com.

About Sapphire Energy

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. In December 2009, Sapphire was awarded nearly $104.5 million as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the USDA’s Biorefinery Assistance Program 9003 authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill.

LINDE AND SAPPHIRE ENERGY ANNOUNCE DEAL TO CO-DEVELOP CO2 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ALGAE FUEL PRODUCTION

Tue, 10 May 2011 18:06:04 GMT

Sapphire Enters Collaboration with The Linde Group

SAN DIEGO, CA and MUNICH, GERMANY (MAY 11, 2011) – The technology group The Linde Group and Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world’s leaders in algae-based crude oil, today announced that they have entered into a multi-year agreement to co-develop a low-cost system to deliver carbon dioxide (CO₂) to commercial-scale, open-pond, algae-to-fuel cultivation systems.

Linde, the leading merchant CO₂ supplier in the U.S., will partner with Sapphire Energy, to reduce the costs associated with the delivery of anthropogenic CO₂ for commercial-scale open pond algae cultivation. In addition, Linde will supply all of the CO₂ to Sapphire’s commercial demonstration facility in Columbus, New Mexico.

“Producing fuel by algae using CO₂ from large emitters like power stations and chemical plants is a very promising way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr Aldo Belloni, member of the Executive board of Linde AG. “We are delighted to be a key partner in Sapphire’s algae-to-biofuel activities. This is one of the many examples for innovative ‘clean energy’ projects that Linde is involved in.”

“The need for new sources of fuel as dependency on oil becomes more and more problematic is clear. To produce algal oil, or ‘green crude’ at the scale to meet growing demand, we need great partners who can supply sufficient and low cost access to CO₂,” said Cynthia (C.J.) Warner, president, Sapphire Energy. “Linde has unequalled knowledge in how to efficiently manage the distribution process. Through this collaboration, we are closer to delivering a domestically produced, cost efficient source of algae-based green crude.”

Sapphire Energy has developed proprietary technology along the entire algae-to-energy value chain from biology, cultivation, harvest and extraction to refining resulting in a highly scalable process to produce a renewable and low carbon substitute for fossil-based crude oil. Sapphire’s green crude drop-in fuels -- jet, diesel and gasoline -- are completely compatible with existing infrastructure and engines. Algae are grown in salty, non-potable water, using lands not suitable for agriculture, and require only sunlight and CO₂ to grow, all sustainable features which petroleum cannot match. Sapphire’s technology represents an approximate 70% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to petroleum-based equivalents.

A single commercial algae-fuel production facility is estimated to require approximately 10,000 metric tons of CO₂ per day, which is comparable to approximately 30% of the current merchant market for CO₂ in the U.S.

The Linde Group has a wealth of experience in the cost-efficient supply of CO₂ for climate- and eco-friendly CO₂ recycling applications. The OCAP project (Organic CO₂ for Assimilation by Plants) in the Netherlands is a case in point. Here, Linde supplies via a 100-km-pipeline around 550 greenhouses with CO₂, which is a by-product from a nearby refinery. Linde also develops, designs, plans and constructs pilot and commercial facilities for capturing CO₂ from various sources, such as power plants, chemical plants, natural gas processing , bio-fuel and other plants.

About Sapphire Energy:

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO₂ as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain. In December 2009, Sapphire was awarded nearly $104.5 million as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Re-Investment Act and the USDA’s Biorefinery Assistance Program 9003 authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill. For more information, please visit www.sapphireenergy.com.

About the Linde Group:

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 48,700 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year, it achieved sales of EUR 12.868 bn (USD 17.9 bn). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, please see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com.

Statement from Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy, in response to remarks made on March 30, 2011

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:03:46 GMT

Statement from Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy, in response to remarks made on March 30, 2011,

by President Barack Obama on strengthening our nation’s energy security and continued investment in clean energy solutions

SAN DIEGO, March 30, 2011 – Statement from Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy, in response to remarks made today by President Barack Obama on strengthening our nation’s energy security and continued investment in clean energy solutions.

“I applaud President Obama’s continued support for alternative energy solutions. Today, he set an ambitious, but necessary goal to reduce U.S. oil imports by one-third by 2025. As the president and his administration understand, to do this we must have a longer-term energy strategy that includes the use of alternative energy solutions such as biofuels.

“It is readily apparent that our nation must reduce its dependence on foreign oil. With political instability in oil producing regions, energy security and national security risks on the increase, rising oil prices, and future supply implications, a tectonic shift is necessary. There is a need for a portfolio of solutions which are scalable over the next several decades, economical, domestically produced, and, in the case of transportation fuels, compatible with our existing network of pipelines, refineries and transport systems.

“At Sapphire Energy, we’re inspired by the words and commitment of our President. It will continue to drive our work forward as we develop algae-based biofuels. We have the opportunity to keep America on the cutting edge of clean energy technology. If we can collectively keep our eyes on that prize, we will drive our economy, positively impact the environment, and secure our energy independence.”

MONSANTO COMPANY AND SAPPHIRE ENERGY ENTER COLLABORATION

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:14:46 GMT

Sapphire Enters Collaboration with Monsanto

ST. LOUIS, (MARCH 8, 2011) – Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) and Sapphire Energy, Inc. today announced an agreement to enter a multi-year collaboration that will leverage Sapphire’s algae-based research platform to discover genes that could be applied to agriculture, particularly in the field of yield and stress.

Sapphire Energy is known for its leading work in bio-energy, which involves applying synthetic biology to produce drop-in replacement fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from algae. This collaboration will enable Monsanto to tap Sapphire’s algal expertise and research tools, which can be used to screen for promising traits in algae that might have applicability in modern agriculture. For Sapphire, this collaboration will push the known boundaries of algal science to search not only for traits that will impact traditional agricultural crops, but will also accelerate Sapphire’s road to commercializing algae as a renewable energy crop.

The collaboration will focus on identifying genes that positively affect growth in algae, a target for Sapphire, which might increase crop yields as well.

“Sapphire’s expertise in algal research offers a novel platform that will allow us to screen and identify promising genes faster,” said Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s chief technology officer. “We face a common goal in looking for ways to improve upon an organism’s ability to achieve greater productivity under optimal and sub-optimal environmental conditions. Together with Sapphire, we can identify genes affecting such traits in algae that might also be applied to corn, cotton, soybeans and other crops.”

Algae are an excellent discovery tool because they have a similar photosynthetic process to other plants but are simple and efficient to work with, Fraley said. Algae also can be grown, screened, tested and selected with high throughput tools, which enables a relatively fast process for researchers.

“Monsanto has always been at the forefront of agricultural technology developments and innovation,” says Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy. “Through this collaborative partnership, we’ll focus our leading-edge research agenda on some of the biggest questions facing both agriculture and energy. By leveraging our algae platform and tools to improve crop yield and enhance crop performance, Sapphire will be able to accelerate our ability to produce a renewable crude oil replacement and reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil.”

Under the agreement, Monsanto and Sapphire will collaborate on algae-based research projects, and Monsanto will make an equity investment in Sapphire. Other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Sapphire Energy:

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain. In December 2009, Sapphire was awarded nearly $104.5 million as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Re-Investment Act and the USDA’s Biorefinery Assistance Program 9003 authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill. For more information, please visit www.sapphireenergy.com.

About Monsanto Company:

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world’s natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on Facebook® at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY CHOSEN BY WALL STREET JOURNAL AS “NEXT BIG THING”

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:42:04 GMT

Experience, Capital, Investor Knowledge Land Sapphire Energy on 2011 Top 10 List

SANTA BARBARA, CA, March 3, 2011 – Sapphire Energy, a world leader in the creation of algae-based fuel, today was chosen as one of the top 10 venture-backed, clean tech companies by the Wall Street Journal during the WSJ ECOnomics event. Unveiling its second annual “Next Big Thing,” the Wall Street Journal chose Sapphire for its experience, capital, and potential for producing green crude from algae as a method to wean consumption off foreign oil and onto a home-grown proven fuel alternative.

“Sapphire Energy has rocketed from start-up to leading the way in green energy production, and we aim to make a difference in how fuel is used in cars and aircraft,” explains Cynthia (C.J.) Warner, president and chairman, Sapphire Energy, who received the honor during this week’s conference. “The Wall Street Journal award is recognition that we’re on the right track in directly replacing the oil dependent fuels of today.”

The Wall Street Journal’s “Next Big Thing” survey narrowed to the top 10 using proprietary Dow Jones VentureSource data and several other predictive indicators. The winners are companies that are indicated to have the greatest chance at success via their innovations.

“The Clean Tech industry is waiting for the moment when a new idea proves powerful enough to explode onto the marketplace,” explains Alan Murray, deputy managing editor of the Wall Street Journal.

Dow Jones VentureSource, owned by Dow Jones & Company, publisher of the Journal, calculated the rankings applying a set of financial criteria to some 500 U.S.-based venture-backed businesses in clean technology valued at less than $1 billion. Criteria included analysis of Sapphire Energy’s venture-capital board member track records, capital raised vs. peer companies; company founders and executives’ success records; and valuation ranking.

About Sapphire Energy:

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO₂as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain. In December 2009, Sapphire was awarded nearly $104.5 million as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Biorefinery Assistance Program, authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY EXPANDS EXECUTIVE TEAM AS IT TARGETS COMMERCIALIZATION

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:58:12 GMT

Biotech Leader Dr. Xun Wang Joins as Vice President of Research and Development

SAN DIEGO, January 12, 2011 – As one of the world’s leading innovators in the algal fuel industry, Sapphire Energy today announced it has expanded its executive roster with the addition of Dr. Xun Wang. In the newly created position of Vice President of Research and Development, Dr. Wang will be responsible for all research and development activities and personnel at Sapphire. He will focus on the lab-to-commercial mechanics and lead Sapphire’s technology development through the next stage of commercialization.

“Sapphire Energy is on a fast growth trajectory, moving from start-up to leading green energy producer,” says Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy. “In Dr. Xun Wang, we’ve added world class biotech talent to our already exceptional team -- a critical step to ensure we successfully take our algae-based Green Crude from innovation to commercialization.”

Dr. Wang has had a distinguished career in agricultural biotechnology. He led the first plant genomic project, and managed a number of Research & Development functions in Syngenta where a few innovations were developed and brought to market. For the last 13 years he has been with Syngenta in various managerial positions. Most recently, he served as President of Syngenta Biotechnology (China) Co. Ltd. (SBC), the first foreign-owned agriculture biotechnology R&D center in China. He also served as the Asia Pacific Regional Head of Biotech Research & Development, as a member of the Syngenta Research & Development Leadership Council, and on the Syngenta Biotechnology Leadership Team. Other positions included Head of Research & Development for Syngenta China, Section Head of Trait Research and Technologies for Syngenta Biotechnology Inc. in North Carolina, and Director at Torrey Mesa Research Institute. Prior to Syngenta he served as Research Manager for Iowa-based Pioneer Hi-Bred International.

Dr. Wang is author or co-author of more than 50 patents. In 2009, he was named as one of the “10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs in Chinese Agriculture” by the China Rural Economy Press. Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Iowa State University and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Jilin University, China.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY RECRUITS MORE TOP TALENT

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:03:48 GMT

Seasoned Oil Executive to Lead Company’s Growing Operations

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 1, 2010 – Sapphire Energy, one of the world’s leading innovators in creating algae-based fuel from Green Crude, today welcomes Dean Venardos into the newly created role of Vice President, Operations, for the fast-growing company.

With more than 30 years in the oil industry, Venardos brings a wealth of experience in refinery operations and processes and will use his rich knowledge base to ensure Sapphire’s facility operations are managed perfectly as the company continues on its growth trajectory.

“Dean’s experience fills a critical role for Sapphire as we move into commercialization of our Green Crude production” says CJ Warner, president, Sapphire Energy. “He’ll oversee operations for all of Sapphire Energy’s facilities including the Integrated Algal BioRefinery (IABR) in Columbus, New Mexico and the Las Cruces, New Mexico research and development facility. We are thrilled to have Dean’s leadership.”

A respected industry executive, Venardos holds five processing patents and has published in numerous journals during his extensive career with Western Refining, BP, and Amoco Oil. He holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from University of Connecticut.

SAPPHIRE APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF HOUSE TAX BILL

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:20:54 GMT

Major Step toward True Green Fuel with Key Support from

California and New Mexico Representatives

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 29, 2010 – Sapphire Energy, one of the world’s leading innovators in creating algae-based fuel from Green Crude, today applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act. Special recognition goes to Reps. Harry Teague (D-NM) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) whose bi-partisan support lead to the bill’s passage.

Congress took the extraordinary action this week to give algae-based fuel technology federal incentives similar to those for other biofuels, leveling the playing field for this promising technology. This move will serve to hasten the pace of development of these fuels, addressing our nation’s energy independence goals sooner.

”The many tireless months of effort made by Reps. Teague and Bilbray show their belief that algae-based fuels, like our Green Crude, have a crucial role in solving the nation’s and the world’s crippling energy challenge,” says Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy. “These policies are essential to truly grow green fuel at scale; we need the same tax structure that oil and gas get today. Passage of this bill is the first step in that direction.”

Pyle adds that the primary benefits resulting from the Act’s passage are a huge boost in the number of clean tech jobs that will be created in the burgeoning algae industries of California and New Mexico, as well as increased domestic and global energy security, and true environmental sustainability.

SAPPHIRE ENERGY WELCOMES NEW SENIOR DIRECTOR, DOWNSTREAM TECHNOLOGY

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:10:52 GMT

Veteran BP Oil Executive Sets Sights on Algae Fuel Future

SAN DIEGO, April 15, 2010 – Sapphire Energy today announced veteran oil executive Dan Sajkowski has joined the company as senior director, downstream technology. After more than 24 years with BP (Amoco), Sajkowski brings his wealth of experience in the oil and refining industry to the burgeoning field of algae-based fuel. He officially joined the company on April 1.

“We’re very fortunate to have Dan on board to drive our downstream efforts,” said Cynthia J. (CJ) Warner, president, Sapphire Energy. “Having that level of expertise in oil refining is critical as we move closer to commercializing our algae-based green crude. Because our green crude can be refined into drop-in replacement liquid transportation fuels, we take full advantage of the existing oil infrastructure, from refining through distribution – areas Dan helped define during his career with BP.”

Sajkowski spent the last five years as the business unit leader of BP’s Whiting Refinery, the 4th largest refinery in the country. In addition to operational and financial accountability for the site, he was a primary driver behind the largest capital project in the history of Indiana and the most complex project BP has ever undertaken: the $3.8 billion modernization of the Whiting Refinery. He also served as manager of refining supply in BP’s Integrated Supply and Trading organization; as vice president, refining technology for BP’s world-wide refining system; and as a member of BP’s Group Technology Council. Prior to joining Amoco in 1986, he worked for Chevron Research Company.

Sajkowski earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University. He also completed The General Manager Program at Harvard. He has authored 17 publications in the area of heterogeneous catalysis.

TOP INDUSTRIES CONVERGE ON SAPPHIRE ENERGY’S ALGAE-FUEL PLANS

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:50:34 GMT

SAN DIEGO, April 5, 2010 – Top executives from three key industries have been appointed to Sapphire Energy’s board of directors, signaling their support for the intersection between energy, agriculture, and biotechnology in the game-changing creation of fuel from algae. Joining May 20 are former Monsanto chief Robert Shapiro, former BP executive David Allen, and venture capitalist and bio-tech executive David E. Shaw.

“This may well be the year that all roads lead to algae,” says Jason Pyle, CEO of Sapphire Energy. “We started the year with $104 million in new federal funding, recently expanded our executive leadership team with the appointment of Jim Lambright, and today have added three distinguished executives to our board to guide us as we move closer to commercialization.”

The addition of these established industry executives signals that Sapphire is following the right direction to producing a scalable, renewable, low carbon, liquid transportation fuel from algae, sunlight, and CO2. Later this year, Sapphire will break ground on its Integrated Algal Bio-Refinery in Southern New Mexico which will demonstrate the complete process of growing, extracting, and refining algae into a drop-in replacement, liquid transportation fuel.

As the former CEO of Monsanto, Robert Shapiro transformed Monsanto into the largest agriculture company in the world. Having spent a career in agriculture and biotechnology, from G.D. Searle to NutraSweet to Monsanto, from which he retired in 2001, he brings to Sapphire a unique perspective on the merging of agricultural science with fuel production. "Sapphire has made fundamental advances in biotechnology,” says Shapiro. “And I see those advances not only revolutionizing fuel production, but also having a fundamental impact on agriculture.” Based in Chicago, he has served on numerous boards, including the New York Stock Exchange, Citigroup, Rockwell International, and Pharmacia.

David Allen brings a wealth of experience in the oil and energy industry to Sapphire after spending 30 years working internationally in the energy business. He retired from BP plc in 2008, having spent the previous five years as an executive director on the main board. He drove BP’s corporate strategy and held a variety of posts across BP, primarily in the exploration and production sector but also in oil trading and renewables. Based in London, Allen currently sits on the boards of the UK Ministry of Defense and of Imperial Innovations, Imperial College London, and also serves as an advisor to PetroSaudi International. “Sapphire is the only company I have seen in this space that has a shot at having a major world-scale impact on oil production,” says Allen.

Entrepreneur and venture capitalist David E. Shaw has been involved in several highly successful bio-technology companies, including founding Ikaria Holdings, IDEXX Laboratories, and Fetch Enterprises, among others. He currently serves as managing general partner of Black Point Group LLC, a private equity partnership. Active on numerous boards and organizations, he served on the faculty of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government leading programs in corporate governance and business social responsibility, and serves on the advisory board of the school’s Center for Public Leadership. "I was not looking to add another board, but Sapphire was an easy exception,” says Shaw. “I was drawn in by their unique synthesis of biotechnology and oil production, combined with their strong team and track record."

SAPPHIRE ENERGY SIGNS TOP CFO AND PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:31:20 GMT

Former U.S. Export-Import Bank and TARP Executive James Lambright to Drive International Expansion Efforts

SAN DIEGO, March 1, 2010 – On the heels of being awarded more than $104 million in federal funds, Sapphire Energy continues to establish itself as the foremost algae-based energy company with its latest executive addition to its global team. James Lambright, former head of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and Chief Investment Officer of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), is joining the leading-edge green energy producer as Chief Financial Officer and President, International, effective March 1.

A respected leader in the private and public financial sectors, Lambright rounds out an already impressive leadership team, which, since 2008, has focused its efforts on producing a scalable, renewable, low carbon liquid transportation fuel from algae, sunlight and CO2.

In this newly created role, Lambright will expand Sapphire’s presence in international markets where, just like America, complex energy needs dominate the agenda.

“No matter the issue – climate change, national energy security, or job creation – Sapphire Energy is poised with a solution – Green Crude,” says Jason Pyle, CEO of Sapphire Energy. “We have unequaled expertise in science, energy, and transportation. And now with Jim on board, we’ve added a depth of international markets and finance experience unmatched in our industry. That, plus the recent federal funding award and our healthy independent investment funds, positions Sapphire well down the path to make Green Crude commercial-ready.”

Adds Lambright: “Given its leading technology and incredible team of personnel and investors, Sapphire Energy is the perfect place to help address the most complex challenges facing economies around the world, those of energy security and the environment. I am excited to join the Sapphire team.”

Lambright’s experience in the financial markets is extensive. In 2006, the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination as President and Chairman of the Board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the U.S. government's official export credit agency. There, he oversaw a $60 billion credit portfolio of project and export finance transactions in over 150 countries. In 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department named him Chief Investment Officer of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a position he held until June 2009, where he and his team executed and managed over $400 billion of investments in banks, insurers, and auto manufacturers as part of the government’s response to the global financial crisis.

Lambright joined the U.S. Export-Import Bank in 2001 from Credit Suisse First Boston Corp. in Los Angeles where he was vice president, private equity. There, he specialized in the underwriting and negotiation of real estate and venture capital transactions. A native of St. Louis, MO, Lambright graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and received a bachelor of arts in linguistics from Stanford University. He is a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

Recovery Act Project Will Create Clean Energy Jobs in Southern New Mexico

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:29:41 GMT

Over $100 Million to Fund Algae-Based Biofuel Refinery

Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Harry Teague announced that a Recovery Act grant and a loan guarantee has been awarded to Sapphire Energy, a company with operations in Las Cruces that produces algae-based biofuel. The funding will allow Sapphire Energy to build an “Integrated Algal Biorefinery” that will produce biofuel for commercial use. 750 direct and indirect jobs will be created through construction, administration and operation of the biofuel refinery facility.

“Producing the energy that powers America is something that New Mexico has always done. As we begin to add renewable fuels to our energy portfolio, I am proud that southern New Mexico will remain a leader in the energy industry,” said Congressman Harry Teague. “Investments like these will have a huge impact on our communities, not only in the jobs that will be created but in keeping southern New Mexico on the forefront of the new energy economy.”

Congressman Teague worked with Dr. Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy’s CEO to help secure the funding for the project. “Representative Teague can be proud of his leadership in helping secure the nearly $104million in USDOE grants and loan guarantees for Sapphire Energy’s biorefinery.
Sapphire Energy and the state of New Mexico will continue to show that algae-based fuel is smarter energy and will keep this state on the world energy map,” said Dr. Pyle.

Total funding announced today is $104.5 million. $50 million is provided in the form of a Recovery Act grant through the Integrated Biorefinery Program and $54.5 million is provided in the form of loan guarantees through the Biorefinery Assistance Program. Construction is expected to begin in September 2010.

Governor Bill Richardson Highlights More Than $100 Million to Be Invested in Alternative Fuels Project

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:20:01 GMT

Sapphire Energy, Inc. to Launch Biofuel Demonstration Project in Luna County

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today commended Sapphire Energy, Inc. for a successful application to the U.S. Department of Energy for a grant to launch a new multi-million dollar algae biofuels demonstration project in Luna County, New Mexico. Sapphire Energy has been awarded a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy as well as a loan guarantee of $54.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The San Diego-based company plans to build a demonstration project in Luna County near Columbus and Deming. The company also has a research and development complex in Las Cruces.

The grant award is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the loan guarantee is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biorefinery Assistance Program, authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill.

“Investments in advanced biofuels are crucial to improve America’s energy independence and to keep energy dollars at home,” Governor Richardson said. “This project will create jobs, invest in new technology and boost the economy in rural New Mexico.”

The project is being funded to demonstrate the technology developed by Sapphire Energy to produce a large scale algae facility which cultivates algae in open ponds to produce Green Crude which can be refined into fuels.

The project is expected to create 750 direct and indirect jobs. Sapphire has an option to buy roughly 2,200 acres of land near Columbus. With the infusion of capital from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the company plans to build a demonstration project to validate the economics of large scale algae to energy production. As part of the project the company also plans to set up an extraction facility to convert the oil from the algae into Green Crude which can be refined into a variety of fuels.
“Governor Richardson is a true advocate for smarter energy resources,” Sapphire Chief Executive Officer Jason Pyle said. “His leadership has played a crucial role in the federal grant funding for our algae-based fuel work. This is a win-win for New Mexico, Luna County, and Sapphire Energy.”

President Obama, USDOE and USDA See Green Value in Sapphire Energy

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:27:51 GMT

Algae-Based Fuel Endorsed with $100 Million in Federal Funds

SAN DIEGO, CA, December 4, 2009 – Sapphire Energy, the leader in algae-based fuel technology, today received another big boost for its groundbreaking energy work. Sapphire was awarded nearly $104.5 million as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Biorefinery Assistance Program, authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill.

The grant is from the U.S. Dept. of Energy for the $50 million and the loan guarantee from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for $54.5 million.

Sapphire Energy’s Green Crude from algae is a complete drop-in replacement technology for crude oil. The Green Crude can be refined directly into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. On a lifecycle basis the fuels represent about a 70-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and doesn’t impact arable lands or fresh water. Fuels from Sapphire Energy’s products have already been used in several successful commercial airline test flights, and in a widely acclaimed coast-to-coast car tour.

“Sapphire knows that smarter energy solutions are in the interest of this nation and the world,” explains Sapphire Energy CEO, Dr. Jason Pyle. “The funding comes on top of our scientists’ leading work in algae-based fuel. It allows expansion of our commercial-scale pond system in New Mexico, as well as further development work in our San Diego laboratories.”

Pyle adds that the funding will provide more than 750 new direct and indirect jobs, most based in New Mexico, in Luna County’s communities of Columbus and Deming. He notes there will be 30 to 40 highly skilled permanent jobs once the project is operational. Groundbreaking, expansion and construction will take place in 2010.

The programs were created under the direction of President Obama to further his commitment to cleaner energy, economic and job stimulation, and to manage our nations’ security by breaking free of foreign oil dependence. Dept. of Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement earlier today, highlighting funding for 19 companies with Sapphire Energy as the focal recipient in its national press release.

About Sapphire Energy:

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Finally, Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain.

Sapphire Energy Honored to Participate in Introduction of Historic Climate Change Legislation

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:15:09 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC, September 30, 2009 – Sapphire Energy is honored to participate in today’s introduction of the Boxer climate change bill. Introduced by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and John Kerry (D-MA), this historic bill is tackling two of the most challenging and pressing issues of the day: climate change and energy security. As the leading producer of algae-based fuel, Sapphire Energy was founded to tackle these very issues by developing an economically and environmentally sustainable, low carbon, domestically produced alternative to fossil fuels.

“Senators Boxer and Kerry should be commended for their unwavering support of the environment and their tireless devotion to finding viable solutions that help our country develop sustainable energy solutions and reduce its carbon footprint,” says Cynthia J. Warner, president, Sapphire Energy. “As chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works committee, Senator Boxer has shown true compassion for future generations by putting all of her efforts into passing this historic legislative effort to cap emissions in the near term. Her visionary leadership inspires companies like Sapphire Energy to tackle the root of our nation’s CO2 problem by developing alternative, low-carbon drop-in replacements for traditional fossil fuels.”

Sapphire Energy has successfully developed a process that, with only sunlight and CO2, turns algae into Green Crude which can ultimately be refined into gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. Sapphire’s Green Crude fits seamlessly into our nation’s existing energy infrastructure as a complete drop-in replacement fuel. Furthermore, Sapphire’s Green Crude is readily scalable, and can be grown on marginal desert lands in brackish or salt water, avoiding use of agricultural lands and precious fresh water reserves. Most importantly, algae consume enormous amounts of CO2 – drawn from both industrial and atmospheric sources – during its growth process, and beneficially reuse the CO2 by turning it into low-carbon alternative transportation fuels.

The introduction – and ultimate passage – of Senator Boxer’s climate change bill will incentivize industrial emitters of CO2, like coal-burning electric power generators, to transfer their CO2 to companies like Sapphire Energy, whose process turns industrial waste and greenhouse gases (GHG) into low carbon gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. Such “beneficial reuse” of industrial-source CO2 through Sapphire’s algae-based fuel process helps “green” electricity, while also offsetting the introduction of new petroleum-based fuel emissions into the environment. Furthermore, Sapphire’s algae-based fuels are a low-carbon alternative to crude oil that both increases our nation’s energy, and stimulates the development of our domestic green economy.

“As Senators Boxer and Kerry clearly understand, climate change and energy security are issues that affect all of us. We must address these issues now, if we are to have an impact in the long term,” continues Warner. “In Sapphire’s case, we’re ready to answer that challenge by commercializing production of a new generation of algae-based liquid transportation fuels that are low-carbon, domestically produced, and spur economic growth as well as green jobs development.”

About Sapphire Energy:
San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Finally, Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain. For more information, please visit www.sapphireenergy.com.

# #

Algae-Fueled Car Completes 3,750 Mile Cross Country Tour

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:15:29 GMT

Fueled by Sapphire Energy, Algaeus Demonstrates Reality of New Fuel Sourcee

NEW YORK, September 18, 2009 – Indicating the true start of the Green Age, Sapphire Energy, the leader in algae-based renewable fuel, joined with the team behind the award winning film FUEL, to complete the first cross-country car tour fueled by a blend of algae-based gasoline in an unmodified engine. The Algaeus completed its 10-day, 3,750 mile US tour that started in San Francisco and arrived into New York City today, September 18th.

The Algaeus represents a tangible peek into the very near future. Sapphire Energy provided the fuel, containing a mixture of hydrocarbons refined directly from algae-based Green Crude and extracted through Sapphire’s proprietary process. The vehicle is based on a 2008 Toyota Prius that has been given an added battery pack, a plug and an advanced energy management system. The Algaeus got an average of 147 mpg city in PHEV (plug in electric hybrid) mode and 52mpg highway in hybrid mode on the cross country tour.

“America has the opportunity to usher in a new, prosperous Green Age, by moving from ‘black’ to ‘green’ crude, while bettering the environment and solidifying energy security,” describes Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy CEO. “We have all that we need at home to produce fuels from algae at a commercial scale in just a few years. The Algaeus is an example of a better solution that is domestically produced and climate friendly.”

Sponsored by the Veggie Van Organization, the cross-country trip celebrates the nationwide premiere of FUEL, the movie opening in theatres this week and aims to inspire green energy solution thinking, such as the Algaeus. “I thank Sapphire Energy for the incredible technology and trust they’ve placed in our hands to take this vehicle across the country with what is, today, perhaps the most advanced fuel on planet earth,” says Josh Tickell, creator of the Veggie Van Organization and director of the movie FUEL. “We’ve been petroleum dependent for 150 years and something has to change. We can sustain every human being with this kind of new technology.”

The algae-based fuel performed flawlessly. Josh Tickell and FUEL Producer, Rebecca Harrell, were behind the wheel for the entire 10-day trip and reported back that the algae fuel blend provided a fun and reliable driving experience. “It flew up the mountain passes in Utah and Wyoming, was fast on the straight-aways, and zipped around cities with gusto,” said Tickell. The duo recorded no loss in engine power, speed or acceleration with the small engine easily producing up to 20 kW of power.

On the tour, the Algaeus was greeted by thousands of constituents and dozens of high-ranking elected officials as it dotted across the nation, pulling into Washington, DC, September 17. A Capitol Hill press conference was held by Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), co-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, members of Congress, and celebrities Carol King and James Kyson Lee (NBC’s “Heroes”), as they emphasized the absolute urgency of driving green innovation. “The advanced energy technology to revolutionize the auto industry and end our dependence on foreign oil is there,” said Congressman Israel. “Now it is time for us to put it into action.” Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA), a proponent for energy change, furthered the charge, “We must keep working to fully commercialize these technologies to ensure they are produced here in the US, so Americans and American workers see the full benefit.”

After New York, the Algaeus travels on a college educational tour with an interactive classroom retrofit “Green Energy Bus,” the Veggie Van Organization and the FUEL team. The benefits of algae will be highlighted in many on-campus screening events showcasing the thought provoking, Sundance award winning film, FUEL. Sapphire Energy and its partners hope to reach the leaders of tomorrow, inspiring students to do their part to support renewable fuel.

About Sapphire Energy:

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms, using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Finally, Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain.

Veggie Van Organization and the Fuel Movie to Unveil the Algaeus

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:27:27 GMT

The World’s First Algae-Fueled, 150 Mile Per Gallon Vehicle Kicks Off Cross Country Tour to Launch “FUEL”

Los Angeles, CA (August 27, 2009) – Green Fuel is real fuel as the Algaeus, the world’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle to cross the country on fuel containing a blend of algae-based renewable gasoline, hits the road to celebrate the launch of the award-winning film FUEL. Sponsored by the Veggie Van Organization, the eco-aggressive, 10-day cross country tour features a caravan of high technology ‘green’ vehicles, led by the groundbreaking Algaeus, which is fueled by Sapphire Energy. The tour kicks off on September 8 in San Francisco and culminates in New York City on September 18 to celebrate the nationwide premiere of FUEL, the movie that inspires green energy solutions such as those demonstrated on the tour.

Sundance Film Festival Winning Director of “FUEL” and Founder/Co-Director of Veggie Van Organization, Josh Tickell, says of the big news, “What better way to show that the energy solutions we have been waiting for are here than driving the world’s first algae fuel powered, 150 mile per gallon, plug-in-electric hybrid vehicle across America to celebrate the opening of a movie about a new green economy.”

The tour will kick off in San Francisco on September 8th en route to New York City. The stops along the tour will include Sacramento (Sept. 9th), Salt Lake City (Sept. 10th), Cheyenne, WY (Sept. 11th), Lincoln, NE (Sept. 12th), Chicago, IL (Sept. 13th), Detroit, MI (Sept. 14th), Cleveland, OH (Sept. 15th), Erie, PA (Sept. 16th), Washington DC (Sept. 17th) and NYC (Sept. 18th).

About the “Algaeus”:

Veggie Van Organization has partnered with Sapphire Energy, the leader in algae-based fuel production, to introduce the world to the Algaeus. This is the first street-ready and legal car to cross the country using a blend of algae-based gasoline. This vehicle is based on a 2008 Toyota Prius that has been given an added battery pack, a plug and an advanced energy management system. The PHEV (plug in electric hybrid) gets 150 miles per gallon. Additionally, this gasoline blend is a complete drop-in replacement to fossil gasoline. The engine of the Algaeus has not been modified.

Sapphire Energy is providing the fuel that is a complete drop-in replacement containing a mixture of hydrocarbons refined directly from algae-based Green Crude, extracted through Sapphire’s proprietary process, and fossil fuels to
afford a high octane gasoline. “At Sapphire Energy, we recognize that the world needs a new generation of transportation fuels that are low carbon, produced domestically and can spur economic growth,” says Jason Pyle,
CEO of Sapphire Energy. “Through our partnership with the Veggie Van Organization and FUEL producers to test drive the Algaeus, we’re one step closer to proving algae is that answer.”

About “FUEL”:

Stirring, comprehensive and a Sundance Film Festival award winner, FUEL is a powerful portrait of America’s overwhelming addiction to, and reliance on, oil. Having been born and raised in one of the USA’s most oil producing regions, director Josh Tickell saw first hand how the industry controls, deceives and damages the country, its people and the environment, and after one too many people he knew became sick, Tickell knew he just couldn’t idly stand by any longer. He decided to make a film, focusing both on the knowledge and insight he discovered, but also giving hope that solutions are at reach. A ‘regular guy’ who felt he could make a difference, he spent 11 years making his movie, showing himself – and others – that an individual can indeed affect change. As both a first time director and narrator of the film, Tickell offers a virtual tour guide through the drama of fuel, the history, the politics, the mess that the world is in and the fascinating alternatives for a way out. In the movie, he interviews politicians, historians, professors and a sprinkling of activist celebrities, all of whom have their own take on one of the most important and pressing concerns of the modern era. Interviews with a wide range of environmentalists, policy makers and educators, along with such “green” celebrities as Richard Branson, Woody Harrelson, Julia Roberts, Sheryl Crow, Larry Hagman, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Larry David, Willie Nelson and Neil Young offer serious fuel for thought. FUEL is directed by Josh Tickell and written by Johnny O’hara. The producers are Greg Reitman, Dale Rosenbloom, Daniel Assael, Darius Fisher and Rebecca Harrell. The movie opens in select cities on September 18th. For more information, please visit www.thefuelfilm.com.

About Veggie Van Organization:

The Veggie Van was founded by Environmentalists, Activists, Director and Producer – Josh Tickell & Rebecca Harrell. The Veggie Van Organization was established to facilitate the transition from fossil fuel use toward a new
green economy by educating people about sustainable energy and providing them with appropriate pathways for integrating sustainable energy into homes, schools, communities, cities, states and ultimately nations.

For additional information on Veggie Van Organization please visit www.veggievan.org/press/.

About Sapphire Energy:

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America‟s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms, using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Finally, Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are
compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain. For more information about Sapphire Energy, visit the company’s websites at www.sapphireenergy.com and www.greencrudeproduction.com.

Sapphire Energy Urges Senators to Add Proven Algae-Based Fuel to Cap and Trade Legislation

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:34:54 GMT

Company President Testifies Before Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Hearing on ‘Business Opportunities and Climate Policy’

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2009 – Cynthia J. Warner, president of Sapphire Energy, today testified before the full U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Hearing on ‘Business Opportunities and Climate Policy’ to ensure that upcoming Cap and Trade legislation includes a proper ‘carbon accounting’ for emerging and proven algae-based fuel. Warner encouraged Senators to adopt policies that would incentivize industrial emitters of CO2, like coal-burning electric power generators, to collect and transport their CO2 to companies like Sapphire Energy whose process turns industrial waste and greenhouse gases (GHG) into low carbon gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. Recycling carbon in an economically beneficial way not only generates green electricity, but offsets the need for new hydrocarbon-based crude oil and reduces overall GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Such policies would not only address the nation’s energy security needs by diversifying its sources of energy, but would also support a low carbon alternative that will stimulate the economy and support energy independence for America.

“Sapphire Energy believes that the business opportunity presented by climate policy can be transformative as we enter this Green Era,” stated Warner. “By getting ahead of the curve, we can produce a new generation of transportation fuels for the world that are low-carbon, produced right here in the United States, and that generate renewed economic growth and new green-collar jobs.”

Sapphire Energy has successfully developed a process that with only sunlight and CO2 turns algae into fuels (gasoline, diesel and jet) that rival other alternatives. Sapphire’s Green Crude fuel not only fits into the current energy infrastructure as a complete drop-in replacement fuel, but it is scalable and can be grown on marginal desert lands in brackish or salt water, avoiding use of food crop lands. Most importantly, algae consume enormous amounts of CO2, drawn from both industrial and atmospheric sources, during its growth process.

“Sapphire’s algae-based fuels emit approximately two-thirds less CO2 than petroleum-based fuels at scale,” Warner explained. “When compared with conventional biofuels, such as corn ethanol and soy biodiesel, Sapphire’s Green Crude has significantly less than half their carbon impact, while delivering far greater energy density than either alternative.”

In order to continue to support the algal fuel industry, Warner asked the committee to adopt legislation that would allow the reuse of CO2, through a medium such as algae, to be added to the list of congressionally approved ways in which industrial emitters can off-load their CO2. The process would incentivize emitters to capture their CO2 and sell it to algae-based fuel companies at a substantially lower price, so that they can turn that CO2 into renewable fuel.

Since CO2 is one of the algae industries principal feedstocks, the price of securing enough industrial-source CO2 to keep algae growing at a steady rate is one of the primary factors determining the price of algae-based fuels. Currently, CO2 costs are significant, in the range of $130 per metric ton.

During her testimony, Warner also pointed out that the algae industry already is having a significant impact on green-collar job creation and is stimulating the economy. Over the next three to four years, the Algal Biomass Organization estimates approximately 11,700 direct jobs will be created, with an additional 30,000 jobs from indirect sources. Congress could further boost these numbers by adopting carefully tailored climate change policies that account for algae’s unique role in beneficially reusing CO2.

“This simple legislative action would make all the difference to our nascent algae industry and would give us the boost we need to help America become truly energy independent,” Warner added.

To read Warner’s complete written testimony, visit the Sapphire Energy website at www.sapphireenergy.com.

About Sapphire Energy:

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms, using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Finally, Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain.

Sapphire’s Green Crude already has been used successfully in several test flights with the commercial airlines Continental and JAL. For more information about Sapphire Energy, visit the company’s websites at www.sapphireenergy.com and www.greencrudeproduction.com.

Sapphire Energy Statement Before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:38:20 GMT

Statement of Cynthia J. Warner, President, Sapphire Energy, Before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Hearing on “Business Opportunities and Climate Policy” on May 19, 2009

Algae-Based Fuel Projected to be Commercial-Ready in Three Years

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:41:35 GMT

Sapphire Energy Reveals Timeline for Drop-In Replacement Fuel

ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 16, 2009 – Sapphire Energy, a nationally recognized and leading-edge company developing renewable and scalable alternative fuels, today is revealing an updated timeline for deployment of its green “drop-in” replacement transportations fuels. Sapphire executives are sharing the plans at the Military Energy and Fuels Conference in Virginia.

Sapphire Energy has developed a revolutionary, patented platform of sunlight, CO2, photosynthetic microorganisms (algae), non-potable water and non-arable land to produce a renewable and scalable low-carbon alternative to petrochemical-based processes and products. By 2011, Sapphire Energy will be producing 1 million gallons of diesel and jet fuel per year, double its initial estimates. By 2018, the number, increases to more than 100 million gallons annually; and by 2025, the company will be producing up to 1 billion gallons of fuel per year. This means Sapphire alone will be supplying enough fuel to meet approximately 3 percent of the country’s 36 billion gallon renewable fuel standard.

In line with priorities and urgency echoed by President Obama in signing the Stimulus Plan, Sapphire is set to be the first to bring a true, green “drop-in” replacement fuel to bear for air and land transportation, meaning there is no need to alter the current petroleum infrastructure.

“Fuel from algae is not just a laboratory experiment or something to speculate on for years to come. We’ve worked tirelessly, and the technology is ready now,” says Brian Goodall, PhD, Vice President Downstream Technology, Sapphire Energy. “We’ve already successfully tested our fuel with two commercial airlines and within the next three years we’ll be producing enough to help meet the growing demands of industry and the military. Fuel from algae is an extremely logical approach to meet the needs for a green solution to our dependence on fossil fuels.”

San Diego-based Sapphire Energy is pioneering an entirely new industry – Green Crude Production – with the potential to profoundly change America’s energy and petrochemical landscape for the better. Sapphire’s products and processes in this category differ significantly from other forms of biofuel because they are made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms, using sunlight and CO2 as their feedstock; are not dependent on food crops or valuable farmland; do not use potable water; do not result in biodiesel or ethanol; enhance and replace petroleum-based products; and are low carbon, renewable and scalable. Finally, Green Crude can be refined into the three most important liquid fuels used by our society: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. The fuels meet ASTM standards and are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution and the retail supply chain.