Algae has the power to transform our energy production, while producing a huge range of renewable compounds for other industries. Dozens of companies dedicated to growing algae for commercial exploitation are already established and many more join the game every year. At present, the systems for growing the green stuff are dividied between open-pond systems covering dozens of hectares, and closed-loop systems like this at Dutch firm AlgaeLink in Amsterdam. Photo: Nikolai Jakobsen.

Algae comes in many forms: from invisible phytoplankton that form the bedrock of the oceans, to more conspicuous seaweed, pictured. Many different types can be exploited, all with the potential to produce a renewable source of fuel.

The science behind cultivating algae is relatively simple, in principle. All they need is light, carbon dioxide, water, nutrients and time. Growth rates can be phenomenal and the biomass accumulated is easily processed down into oils. Scientists have already bred strains that produce higher oil content with shorter generation times, increasing productivity.

Aquaculture is particularly suited to algae since it already has much of the technology and expertise in place. Waste water effluent from the fish -- currently considered a problem and a potential an environmental hazard -- makes perfect food for growing algae. Mopping up these nutrients saves both on waste costs, but also adds to profit margins when the biomass is sold on.

Growing algae on commercial scales is hardly new: this offshore, shallow water grid of seaweed in Bali, Indonesia is well established and algae has been grown across the world for thousands of years.

Food is one of the largest traditional uses for seaweed in particular: here, a salmon fillet is laid on a bed of pasta made from algae. As well as algae beer there is also algae biscuits, algae salad and even algae bread. It is an important part of the Asian diet, providing vitamins and minerals.

Cleaning up: the nutraceutical and cosmetic markets are flooded with algae products, like this algae-based soap, and this sector will continue to grow as research continues into its beneficial health properties. Whole supply chains for algae are being developed and aquaculture firms could get their nose in at the producer end, leaving processing and distribution to other channels. Nevertheless, the profit to be made is huge.

A massive interest is also being generated within the feed community. With fishmeal prices climbing, the news that algae can make an excellent raw material for fish feed is music to the ears of feed producers across the world, which are certainly taking an interest. PHOTO: Nutreco.

This profitability is none more apparent than using algae as a biofuel. In January 2009, U.S. airline Continental made the first test flight using 50 percent algal biofuel over the Gulf of Mexico. The flight marked a turning point -- algae as a genuine fuel alternative was no longer simply an idea: it was a reality.

So, just how seriously are aquaculture and feed firms taking this? Just ask Ewos, BioMar and Nireus. They all sent their people to Hamburg in December to discover how they can profit from this new industry, and so did <b>IntraFish</b>. To find out just what great potential -- and hurdles -- this sector presents, check out the January 2010 issue of <i>Fish Farming International</i> for the full scoop.

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Algae has the power to transform our energy production, while producing a huge range of renewable compounds for other industries. Dozens of companies dedicated to growing algae for commercial exploitation are already established and many more join the game every year. At present, the systems for growing the green stuff are dividied between open-pond systems covering dozens of hectares, and closed-loop systems like this at Dutch firm AlgaeLink in Amsterdam. Photo: Nikolai Jakobsen.

Algae comes in many forms: from invisible phytoplankton that form the bedrock of the oceans, to more conspicuous seaweed, pictured. Many different types can be exploited, all with the potential to produce a renewable source of fuel.

The science behind cultivating algae is relatively simple, in principle. All they need is light, carbon dioxide, water, nutrients and time. Growth rates can be phenomenal and the biomass accumulated is easily processed down into oils. Scientists have already bred strains that produce higher oil content with shorter generation times, increasing productivity.

Aquaculture is particularly suited to algae since it already has much of the technology and expertise in place. Waste water effluent from the fish -- currently considered a problem and a potential an environmental hazard -- makes perfect food for growing algae. Mopping up these nutrients saves both on waste costs, but also adds to profit margins when the biomass is sold on.

Growing algae on commercial scales is hardly new: this offshore, shallow water grid of seaweed in Bali, Indonesia is well established and algae has been grown across the world for thousands of years.

Food is one of the largest traditional uses for seaweed in particular: here, a salmon fillet is laid on a bed of pasta made from algae. As well as algae beer there is also algae biscuits, algae salad and even algae bread. It is an important part of the Asian diet, providing vitamins and minerals.

Cleaning up: the nutraceutical and cosmetic markets are flooded with algae products, like this algae-based soap, and this sector will continue to grow as research continues into its beneficial health properties. Whole supply chains for algae are being developed and aquaculture firms could get their nose in at the producer end, leaving processing and distribution to other channels. Nevertheless, the profit to be made is huge.

A massive interest is also being generated within the feed community. With fishmeal prices climbing, the news that algae can make an excellent raw material for fish feed is music to the ears of feed producers across the world, which are certainly taking an interest. PHOTO: Nutreco.

This profitability is none more apparent than using algae as a biofuel. In January 2009, U.S. airline Continental made the first test flight using 50 percent algal biofuel over the Gulf of Mexico. The flight marked a turning point -- algae as a genuine fuel alternative was no longer simply an idea: it was a reality.

So, just how seriously are aquaculture and feed firms taking this? Just ask Ewos, BioMar and Nireus. They all sent their people to Hamburg in December to discover how they can profit from this new industry, and so did <b>IntraFish</b>. To find out just what great potential -- and hurdles -- this sector presents, check out the January 2010 issue of <i>Fish Farming International</i> for the full scoop.

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