Next generation algae facility starts up in US

US-based Heliae, a developer of advanced algae production technologies, commenced operations at its first commercial facility in Arizona late last year.

Using its Volaris-brand platform, the commercial facility will initially operate at 33% of its capacity to produce high-value algae products for nutraceutical and personal care products but biofuels represents another business avenue for consideration.

‘Since founding the company, the goal has always been to identify and scale technology that would unlock the value of algae for a range of industries. With this new facility now up and running, we are well on our way,’ says Heliae co-founder Frank Mars.

The start-up, which aims to be at full capacity before the end of the first quarter this year, represents the first phase of Heliae's plant with further expansion slated for late 2014.