If you’re interested in the use of algae as a feedstock for biofuels, consider checking out the upcoming Algae Biomass Summit. This will be the second summit hosted by the Algal Biomass Association, which is dedicated to helping develop and commercialize algae biofuels. The steering committee is an interesting mix of academics and industry — both co-chairs come from Boeing Commercial Airplanes while the National Renewable Energy Labs and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography are also represented (along with several other organizations).

The summit will be held October 23 and 24, in Seattle. You can register online at the Algal Biomass Organization’s website. The two-day event will provide a broad overview of the industry: among the speakers are scientists, policymakers and investors.

Algae has a great deal of promise for biofuels because of its rapid growth rate. Experiments in producing oil from algae have had impressively high outputs. An acre of algae could produce thousands of gallons of oil in a year, with estimates ranging as high as 20,000 gallons for some varieties. The next best plant matter for biodiesel is Chinese tallow, capable of producing perhaps 700 gallons in a year.

Photo — Mark Sadowski