Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil renew algae biofuels research agreement
19 January 2017
Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil have extended their agreement to conduct joint research into advanced algae biofuels after making significant progress in understanding algae genetics, growth characteristics and increasing oil production.
ExxonMobil and Synthetic Genomics have been jointly researching and developing oil from algae for use as a renewable, lower-emission alternative to traditional transportation fuels since launching the program in 2009. (Earlier post.) Work continues toward developing strains of algae that demonstrate significantly improved photosynthetic efficiency and oil production through selection and genetic engineering of higher-performance algae strains. The agreement continues to focus on Synthetic Genomics’ core strengths in synthetic biology and builds on recent discoveries of biological pathways regulating lipid production and growth in advanced algal strains.
Together with ExxonMobil, we have made significant strides to identify and enhance algal strains capable of high oil production while still maintaining desirable rates of growth. The extension of our agreement reflects the tremendous progress made to date, and the promise in using our core synthetic biology technologies to build cell production systems capable of reshaping industries.
—Oliver Fetzer, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Synthetic Genomics
Vijay Swarup, vice president for research and development at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, said that renewal of the agreement underscores the importance of the research and recognition of milestones the team has achieved together over the past few years.
Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil remain committed to advancing the scientific fundamentals of algal biofuels. We know this will be a long-term endeavor and are optimistic based on the results we have seen to date.
—Vijay Swarup
ExxonMobil said that the development of algae biofuels and a path toward commercial-scale production remain key components of its suite of research projects focused on producing energy to meet global demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the risk of climate change.
ExxonMobil is engaged in a broad range of research on advanced biofuels, partnering with universities and other companies. The purpose of these research and development programs is to explore new technologies and seek the best pathways toward scalable and cost-effective production of advanced biofuels.
Global demand for transportation fuels is projected to rise by nearly 30% through 2040, and accelerating the reduction in emissions from the transportation sector will play a critical role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, the company said.
Synthetic Genomics Inc. is a leader in the field of synthetic biology. Synthetic Genomics’ core technology enables two connected genome-writing businesses: engineering advantaged cell platforms and printing biological components. Synthetic Genomics is reinventing bio-based production by improving existing production systems and developing novel, optimized production hosts. The company develops its products and solutions, typically in partnership with leading global organizations, across a variety of industries including sustainable bio-fuels, sustainable crops, nutritional supplements, vaccines, biotherapeutics and transplantable organs.
They launched the program in 2009 and paid Venter and his company hundreds of millions of dollars ---- so where are the production facilities? This looks more and like a scam, like so many others in renewable energy. Step 1: Have an elitist academic type make a bunch of noise, Step 2: Convince politicians and globalists there is a problem that requires a Marxist redistributionist globalist solution, Step 3: Elites get rich at the expense of common working people and future unborn generations through trillions more dollars added to the debt.
Posted by: ejj | 19 January 2017 at 06:33 AM
Ejj is right. Anyway it's been years that im waiting to buy synthetic gasoline in my area for a cheaper price than actual petroleum gasoline, act now and i will keep my gasser over a bev for the decades to come.
Posted by: gorr | 19 January 2017 at 06:44 AM
Bio synthetic fuels will be priced well when oil is $200 per barrel.
Posted by: SJC | 19 January 2017 at 08:29 AM
Hey ejj and gor You are suporting a scam a lie every time you repeat that myth "where is the money coming from" "leaving a debt for future generations"
The US,like Australia Canada Japan et al,has the ability to produce as much money as it needs.Check out Modern Monetary Theory(MMT).Heaps on youtube.Check out Warren Mosler.(also made some tasty machines down in Florida).
Posted by: bman | 19 January 2017 at 09:32 PM
Debt is not a bad thing. Why risk your own capital when you can use some other, assuming you can agree with the terms .
If you build something with your capital or some other capital, you better hope whatever you did gets Utilized.
Posted by: Dr. Strange Love | 21 January 2017 at 09:30 AM
No it's not a Marxist plot.
For those that want more info.These links show some the value added benefits from algae farms.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/futuretense/re-imagining-algae/7926214#transcript
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/futuretense/four-surprising-uses-for-algae/7370620
http://www.algaeindustrymagazine.com/
http://bloomfoam.com/
http://algaenviro.com.au/
http://omegaglobal.org/
Pope Francis:
"But in my life I have known many Marxists who are good people, so I don't feel offended.” |
Posted by: Arnold | 21 January 2017 at 05:27 PM
Marxist ideology doesn't fit with the human genome. Humans are "Opportunistic", hence Capitalism. Marxism might fit well with an Ant Colony. Let's give this some thought.
Posted by: Dr. Strange Love | 22 January 2017 at 07:16 AM
Debt IS a bad "thing" when it goes for expenditures,
not investments.
Posted by: SJC | 29 January 2017 at 06:49 PM