NZ Algae Biodiesel Developer Seeks to Raise $NZ5 Million
16 January 2007
New Zealand’s Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation (ABC) has launched a prospectus for an offering of up to 10 million shares in a bid to raise NZ$5 million (US$3.5 million) for further research and development of its process to produce biodiesel from wild algae.
Aquaflow harvests algae directly from the settling ponds of standard Effluent Management Systems (EMS) and other nutrient-rich water. Aquaflow is still working on the final stage of bio-remediation of the pond water, which will ensure that the discharge exceeds acceptable quality standards. The harvesting process can also be used in many industries that produce a waste stream, including the transport, dairy, meat and paper industries.
A B5 (5%) blend of biodiesel produced by Aquaflow from wild algae successfully fueled a test drive in New Zealand in December 2006. The Aquaflow B5 also was used successfully several days earlier in a static engine test at Massey University’s Wellington campus. (Earlier post.)
In the prospectus, ABC states that it intends to focus the research and development of the biodiesel program in New Zealand for the present, and that the biodiesel will be produced for the domestic market.
ABC is applying for patents on the systems for optimizing harvesting and extraction. The company also hopes to develop its harvesting process—which leaves the water in settling ponds substantially cleaner—as a bio-remediation tool for cleaning waste streams.
I see an eery semblance to the tech boom of the 90's. The Tech Bubble started in 1997, its 2007. Paulson, Bernanke, the Treasury, Donaldson, and the SEC better get a handle on this.
Posted by: allen_XL_Z | 16 January 2007 at 01:18 PM
From prospectus, page 9 (p. 10 on PDF): It was therefore with great satisfactions that the Company produced a test tube of algae oil...
The key factor for determining whether this investment is worthwhile or not, is the yield of biodiesel that will be produced. Currently, it does not look as if these guys have a clue about that. Classify this as a HIGH risk investment.
Posted by: An Engineer | 16 January 2007 at 02:48 PM
GreenFuel, I'm waiting...
Posted by: Cervus | 16 January 2007 at 03:39 PM
The prospectus states that "...there is little debate that the price of fossil fuels will increase dramatically in they future..."
There was probably little debate about increasing oil prices in the late 70's as well, but I purchased gas at $0.65/gal in the late 90's in Oklahoma. Debate and opinion matter far less than supply and demand.
Posted by: Harvey | 17 January 2007 at 10:22 AM
Harvey, that was during the Asian financial meltdown. You can get fire-sale prices on real estate during recessions too, but that doesn't mean anything in the long run.
Posted by: Reality Czech | 17 January 2007 at 12:46 PM
Reality:
Average US family spends about 3.5% of it budget on gas (in 2006 probably close to 4%) – way less than in time of oil price spikes of 1970-s and 1980-s. This amount is not a big deal. This is probably the reason why Americans are still buying big and fuel-thrusting vehicles. Even in Canada, where disposable income is 10% less then in US and gasoline is 30% more expensive, we generally have the same as in US vehicle mix.
Posted by: Andrey | 18 January 2007 at 12:54 AM
There are developments in DME in China today:
DME is an LPG-like synthetic fuel can be produced through gasification of Biomass. The synthetic gas is then catalyzed to produce DME. A gas under normal pressure and temperature, DME can be compressed into a liquid and used as an alternative to diesel. Its low emissions make it relatively environmentally friendly. In fact, Shandong University completed Pilot plant in Jinan and will be sharing their experience at upcoming North Asia DME / Methanol conference in Beijing, 27-28 June 2007, St Regis Hotel. The conference covers key areas which include:
DME productivity can be much higher especially if
country energy policies makes an effort comparable to
that invested in increasing supply.
By:
National Development Reform Commission NDRC
Ministry of Energy for Mongolia
Production of DME/ Methanol through biomass
gasification could potentially be commercialized
By:
Shandong University completed Pilot plant in Jinan and
will be sharing their experience.
Advances in conversion technologies are readily
available and offer exciting potential of DME as a
chemical feedstock
By: Kogas, Lurgi and Haldor Topsoe
Available project finance supports the investments
that DME/ Methanol can play a large energy supply role
By: International Finance Corporation
For more information: www.iceorganiser.com
Posted by: Cheryl Ho | 22 May 2007 at 11:11 PM