Story: Knowledge-based industries

Algae biofuel

Algae biofuel

Wild algae is gathered from sewage ponds in Marlborough and treated to produce sustainable motor fuel. In this world-first biotechnology project the Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation aims to produce commercial quantities of fuel from algae grown in waste water such as effluent ponds. The company has since joined forces with a US refinery to produce algae-based jet aircraft fuel.

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Photograph by Kirsten Rødsgaard-Mathiesen

© Kirsten Rødsgaard-Mathiesen

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How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Knowledge-based industries - Biotechnology', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/21757/algae-biofuel (accessed 30 May 2024)

Story by Mark Derby, published 11 Mar 2010, reviewed & revised 5 Dec 2017