How has SBAE Industries become a leading company in the development of micro-algae?
SBAE Industries has started activities almost 4 years ago. Based on its understanding of algae, the company developed two algae production platforms. One of them, DiaForce, is enabling mass production of algal biomass which is suited for the biofuels market.
What does SBAE Industries provide in terms of technology and how is the algae harvested?
The SBAE DiaForce technology grows attached diatoms. Harvesting is done by removing the carriers out of the water, thus reducing the amount of water to be processed by 2 orders of magnitude. This tackles one of the major bottlenecks of large scale algae production.
How far is the company from the provision of cost effective algae fuels?
Cost efficiency is closely linked to scale. Our technology is scalable and makes it possible to come to an economical model.
How important is the value of developing a broad base of end products such as aquaculture and nutraceuticals and are these markets you currently serve?
We currently serve both of these markets with a range of algae we grow in our AlgaForce and in our DiaForce production systems. Going forwards it will be important to identify new markets for the residual biomass of the algae after the oil has been extracted. The sheer volume of this biomass will necessitate large markets such as animal feed. The total biomass produced has to be marketed and sold to make a viable business case.
Marc Van Aken is speaking at the 2010 World Biofuels Markets Conference in March where he joins 200 of the industry’s most influential speakers.
Click here for a full list of confirmed speakers
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SBAE The Algae Company
SBAE is European leader in the production of algae for various markets. Hatcheries and feed mills benefit from SBAE’s unprecedented quality and shelf life.
Biofuel companies can rely on SBAE’s patented technology for the production of algae feedstock with high triglyceride contents, yet with minimal water processing.
SBAE’s specific monocultures provide nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies with a wealth of high value components including anti-oxidants and PUFA’s.