Boiler and Biomass News

Hawaii Companies to Build Microalgae Facility

Susanne Retka Schill  Biodiesel Magazine  July 23, 2008   

Algae biofuels in Hawaii are one step closer to reality with the announcement of the joint development of a commercial-scale microalgae facility on the island of Maui.

HR BioPetroleum, Alexander & Baldwin Inc., Hawaiian Electric Co., and Maui Electric Co., subsidiaries of Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. announced July 16 that they have signed a memoranda of understanding to develop a commercial-scale microalgae facility on the island of Maui. The facility will produce lipid oil to be used in producing biodiesel and other products, such as animal feed.

Under agreement, HR BioPetroleum will be responsible for overall project management, including obtaining financing, construction and operation of the microalgae facility. Alexander & Baldwin will provide land adjacent to the power plant operated by Maui Electric Industries where the algae production ponds and processing plant will be built. Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric will lead in determining the permitting and construction needs for piping to carry stack gases containing carbon dioxide to feed the algae facility.

According to Hawaiian Electric, the first phase of the commercial facility could be in operation by 2011 if preliminary milestones are met as planned. Those factors include confirmation of algae performance data from HR BioPetroleum’s pilot and demonstration facilities, receipt of required regulatory approvals, formation of a special purpose entity, project financing and the signing of definitive agreements with the parties involved.

In 2007, HR BioPetroleum and Royal Dutch Shell PLC formed a separate joint venture to operate a demonstration facility in Hawaii to grow marine algae and produce oil for conversion into biodiesel. The goal is to produce biofuel feedstocks while simultaneously reducing industrial emissions of carbon dioxide.

Hawaii-based Alexander & Baldwin, which has divisions involved in real estate, ocean freight, sugar and coffee, has been producing renewable energy in Hawaii for more than 100 years using biomass and hydro-electric generations on both Maui and Kauai, according Allen Doane, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are excited about the promise of algae as another renewable energy source and we look forward to the potential reduction in imported oil and greenhouse gas emissions it represents.”

“This project entails some uncertainty,” said Karl Stahlkopf, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president for energy solutions and chief technology officer. “Stepping forward to be a first implementer of a new idea always does. However, it unites the best of the new Hawaii high-tech industry with two long-established Hawaii infrastructure companies in a unique partnership.”

HURST EVENTS

Biomass

Agriculture Secretary Awards Woody Biomass Utilization Projects

Biomass Helps Power National Lab

Dare to DREAM™! - Double Renewable Energy in AMerica

EIA Energy Outlook

Gassing up with garbage

Go Carbon Neutral with a Hurst Biomass Boiler System

Hawaii Companies to Build Microalgae Facility

House subcommittee passes EPA Regulatory Relief Act

Hurst Boiler Announces New Biomass Boiler Systems

Hurst Boiler Sponsors Fuels for Schools

LECG Study Shows Ethanol Tax Exemption Increases U.S. Government Revenues and Reduces Dependence on

New Biomass Technology Dramatically Increases Ethanol Yield From Grasses And Yard Waste

New High Efficiency Integrated Control Systems

Obama administration calls for aggressive biomass spending

Obama Awards $54 Million for State Energy Programs

Obama takes steps to boost biofuels

Palin unveils energy goals for cities, villages

Renewable energy cash grant guidance revised

Savings Everywhere

Sprucing Up Our Energy Supply

Verenium Technology to be Used in Asia

Case Studies

Biomass Use and Hydroelectric Power in the Dominican Republic

Chadron State College

Chipping Away At Emissions

Colquitt Regional Medical Center

Hurst Boiler Sponsors Fuels for Schools

Seaman Paper Company

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Biomass Boiler

Featured Rep

Featured Rep: Alstrom Heat Transfer

McCotter Energy Systems

Hurst Press Release

Biomass-to-power generation encouraged in the U.S.

Firemaster Integrated Boiler Monitoring System

Hurst Boiler Announces Major Building Expansion

Hurst Boiler Announces New Biomass Boiler Systems

New High Efficiency Integrated Control Systems

Industry News

17th annual CRMF golf tournament

Hurst Boiler Announces Major Building Expansion

New High Efficiency Integrated Control Systems

New Hurst Biomass Boiler Stops Traffic

Xmas Tree Lighting 2009