Solix to build $30 million biomass plant for biofuel production

Solix BioSystems will build its first commercial plant for producing algae biomass for conversion into biofuel or animal feed, after completing a funding round which raised more than $30 million.

The Colorado-based company confirmed it had completed a new funding round backed by existing investor I2BF Global Ventures, as well as Southern Ute Alternative Energy LLC and Bohemian Ventures.

Solix's existing demonstration plant already cultivates around 2,000 gallons of algae each year that can then be used in a range of products, including biodiesel for vehicles including Earthrace (pictured) as well as animal feed.

The process takes place in special photo-bioreactors, fitted with Solix Lumian panels, which are designed to maximize both light penetration and the efficient mixing of CO2 in order to optimise algae growth.

Algae-derived fuels are thought to be highly suitable for industries such as aviation, which is looking to lower its environmental impact with the advent of emissions trading in the EU.

Advocates of algae-based technologies argue they could provide a highly sustainable new source of feedstocks and fuel, as algae can in theory be produced at an industrial scale without eating into available agricultural land.

In contrast, demand for corn to produce ethanol has been blamed for increasing food prices globally – a scenario that is thought to be worsening as a result of the current US drought.

 

 

Image 01 - Biofuel diesel fueled 'Earthrace' at Raglan. Pam.