ABO conducts algae industry survey

The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) has conducted a new survey of more than 380 US algae industry contacts, which shows algae companies to be increasing production in 2012. The research also suggests that algae biofuels are expected to be price-competitive with petroleum fuels by 2020, and also that stable and effective Federal policy would accelerate production and job creation.

The survey indicates that 65% of algae producers are planning to expand capacity in 2012. The results also show widespread optimism that algae biofuels will be commercially available and competitive with fossil fuels by 2020.

It was universally agreed that stable government policy would help the development of competitively priced biofuels, the increase of production and also of employment.

However, algae-based fuels are still at a disadvantage when competing with other biofuels because due to their not qualifying for the same tax treatment under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

'It's clear from these results that the algae industry is moving forward with increased production and employment as well as continued scientific breakthroughs,' says Mary Rosenthal, executive director of ABO. 'The survey confirms what we've said for years - that stable and equitable federal policy will only accelerate the development of an industry that can create a sustainable source of domestic fuels and jobs.'