Aquaflow signs up to use US biofuel technology

Algae biofuel company Aquaflow Bionomic has joined forces with a division of US conglomerate Honeywell to work on converting algae into fuel products.

Processes developed by Honeywell refining company UOP will be used to convert algae into fuel products that meet international standards.

Aquaflow has already succeeded in producing its first batch of green crude oil.

Chairman Barrie Leay said UOP would be involved in the secondary processing stage – refining the crude oil into products ready for industrial use. Airline Boeing suggested that Aquaflow work with UOP, Mr Leay said.

More specific details on the memorandum of understanding between the two parties should be available by the end of November when UOP representatives are scheduled to visit New Zealand, he said.

UOP is also working on aviation biofuel research with Airbus and has already converted natural oils and greases to military jet fuel as part of a project funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

The two companies will also investigate whether it would be feasible to store carbon dioxide and add it to wastewater streams to boost algal production.

Aquaflow director Nick Gerritsen said the deal was a significant move for the company.

“UOP is a leading provider of technology for refiners around the world, and they have commercially viable methods for producing green fuels from biological feedstocks so it makes sense for us to work together.”

Aquaflow’s goal was to get its product to market as fast as possible, he said.

Aquaflow’s largest shareholder is biofuel firm Pure Power Asia.