NewsBits…August 5, 2021

DOE: $34M to Advance Waste and Algae Bioenergy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced nearly $34 million in funding for 11 projects that will support high-impact research and development to improve and produce biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts. These biomass resources/feedstocks can be produced by municipal solid waste (MSW) streams and algae and converted into low-carbon fuels that can significantly contribute to the decarbonization of transportation sectors that face barriers to electrification, like aviation and marine. “We need transformational, innovative technology to mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change,” said U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI).
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Cousteau’s Seaweed Project Wins Keeling Curve Prize

Oceans 2050, which was co-founded by Alexandra Cousteau and Fritz Neumeyer, was one of eight winners of the Keeling Curve Prize. The non-profit is committed to restoring the health of the oceans; one of its key projects relates to a study that will “deliver evidence and the methodology to validate and monetize the carbon sequestration impact of ocean farming.” The prize-winning project, led by Oceans 2050’s head scientist, Prof Carlos Duarte, will quantify carbon sequestration by seaweed in sediment across 19 seaweed farms, in 12 countries, to provide empirical evidence of their carbon sequestration rates.
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Methane-busting Seaweed Industry Growing in South Australia

An emerging commercial seaweed industry is gaining pace in South Australia, focusing on the methane produced by cows. Australian researchers have found red seaweed could reduce cow and sheep methane production by up to 90 per cent when mixed with stock feed. The findings have led the South Australian Government to recently announce $1.5 million over two years to support the establishment of a commercial seaweed industry in the state. It says seaweed production could be worth $140 million a year in South Australia with the potential to create 1,200 jobs.
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Simris CEO and Founder Transfers Unit Rights

Simris, a Swedish agribusiness growing algae to replace unsustainable marine ingredients, is currently raising capital through a 29.1 MSEK ($3.4M US) rights issue of units at 0.90 SEK per share. Founder and former CEO Fredrika Gullfot has transferred her unit rights to an investment entity associated with beauty industry veteran Steven Schapera. “It has been important for us to open our network to international investors,” says Ms. Gullfot. “Both our shareholder structure and market launch benefit greatly from new investors with a solid background in our industry.”
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Checkerspot’s WNDR Alpine makes skis with algal composites

Checkerspot’s outdoor recreation equipment moves away from petroleum in favor of more planet friendly ingredients, such as new microalgae made materials, to help the outdoor recreation industry mitigate its impact. Checkerspot’s WNDR Alpine brand is using their AlgalTech technology in skis, allowing them to manufacture in a more sustainable way that also results in higher performing equipment. “With our AlgalTech materials in our backcountry skis, we’re targeting lighter weight, bringing more strength-to-weight, and improving durability,” CEO and co-founder Charles Dimmler said.
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