Algal Biomass Organization Summit to feature tour of University's St. Anthony Falls Lab
Pre-conference workshop will explore algae industry in northern climates
Contacts:
Mary Hoff, Institute on the Environment, maryhoff@umn.edu, (612) 626-2670
John Williams, Scoville PR for ABO, jwilliams@scovillepr.com, (206) 625-0075
Jeff Falk, University News Service, jfalk@umn.edu, (612) 626-1720
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (09/28/11) – The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), the leading trade association for the algae industry, is partnering with the University of Minnesota to offer a unique workshop and tour for attendees of the 5th annual Algae Biomass Summit, October 24-27 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.
The October 24 workshop, titled “Algae - A Midwest and Northern Climes Perspective,” will feature presentations by experts on algae growth in northern climates, as well as a tour of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory in the University’s College of Science and Engineering. In addition to the physical tour of the laboratory, attendees will also participate in virtual tours of two algae-industry firms operating in the region: Algaedyne and BioProcess Algae.
More information on the workshop, including a link to registration and the full agenda, is available at: http://www.algaebiomass.org/events/.
“The growing algae industry, and the biofuels and other products that come from it, will play a role in the economic development of Minnesota and the surrounding region,” said John Sheehan, Scientific Director for Biofuels and the Global Environment with the University of Minnesota’s Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment. “We’re excited to show attendees how this region – and the University of Minnesota in particular – is making a unique contribution to the industry.”
With the progress of start ups and commercialization efforts nationwide, continued research breakthroughs, and a new $510 million investment in next-generation biofuels announced last month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy and the U.S. Navy, the workshop will offer a window into one segment of an industry with high potential.
“This is a unique opportunity to see first-hand how top-notch research institutions and businesses are developing the algae industry in northern regions,” said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the ABO. “The research and commercialization taking place here in Minnesota demonstrates that algae for energy really is a 50-state economic development and job creation engine. This workshop and tour will showcase innovative approaches to benefitting from algae even in colder climates.”
The workshop will take place just before the opening of the 5th annual Algae Biomass Summit, the largest conference of algae producers, scientists, investors and policymakers. During the course of the event, leaders and attendees will discuss issues of critical importance to the emerging algae industry, including the commercial viability of algae production, current government and private initiatives, evolving technologies, processing concepts, life cycle analysis and venture/project finance.
The Algae Biomass Summit features presentations and poster sessions from more than 200 experts from around the world, with exhibits by more than 60 companies and organizations across the algae industry value chain. The event is expected to attract more than 800 participants, with 20 countries already represented among the registrants.