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Fort Collins algae fuel firm meets with Congress leaders
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Solix Biofuels of Fort Collins is one of three algae-based bio-fuel companies meeting today with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill.
Algae fuel is gaining attention as better alternative than ethanol and other plant-based bio-diesel. Corn-based ethanol has started giving the whole renewable energy industry a black eye as more analysts discover ethanol production results in a net loss of energy and drives up global food prices by switching cropland to fuel production.
Algae-based biofuel could deliver significantly higher yields, recycle carbon dioxide directly from coal-fired power plants and will not compete with food crops. Solix estimates algae can yield 30 to 100 times more fuel per acre than corn, soybeans or other food crops.
The algae companies recognize their technology is not the magic bullet to solve all energy problems, but they hope stimulus funding, renewable fuel standards and research grants go toward algae
"At the end of the day, no one single solution will address our domestic energy demands, but a continued focus on energy independence and technology neutrality will allow algae biofuels and other promising technologies to rise up and meet these 21st century energy demands," said Solix Biofuels CEO Doug Henton in a press release.
The companies will provide industry updates and push for more federal research support this afternoon.
Solix launched three years ago out of the federal Department of Energy Aquatic Species Program, which started researching algae-based bio-diesel in 1978 during an energy crisis. The research is gaining attention again amid concerns about energy prices, fossil-fuel scarcity and global climate change.
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