WSJ - Bill Gates Goes For Algae, Invests in Biofuel Maker Sapphire Energy

Bill Gates is plunging his hands into pond scum.

"Cascades Investments LLC, Mr. Gates’ personal investment vehicle, is backing Sapphire Energy, a start up working towards a commercial-scale facility to produce oil from algae. And by all indications, he is not trying to save the world from its petroaddiction. He’s trying to make some money."

IPO Note: Changing World Technologies

Changing World Technologies IPO


I remember these guys from way back, and at the time I was excited for their technology.

In fact, I've stated that when I die I'd like to be converted into useable Energy by their process (as a joke, of course). :)

We'll have to see what the details look like.

They could be explosive if their technology is efficient, though it's another case of an Energy / Food tradeoff, as if they weren't turning those turkeys into Energy, they carcasses would otherwise become Fertilizer or possibly Livestock Feed.

Biofuel Research - Lignin to Hydrocarbons.

Chemical breakthrough turns sawdust into biofuel

Funds incoming for Algal Biodiesel Production.

Green Plains Renewable Energy approved for $2,190,407 grant for Algal Biodiesel

Teaser: "The United States Department of Energy estimates that if algae fuel replaced all the petroleum fuel in the United States, it would require 15,000 square miles (38,849 square kilometers), which is a few thousand square miles larger than Maryland."

Locate Biodiesel retailers near you.

http://www.nearbio.com/

Biodiesel and Forests

As much as I get excited about biodiesel, I can't help but have a real problem with the deforestation that is the current result.

Palm oil puts squeeze on Asia's endangered orangutan

Yikes.