Since 2009, ExxonMobil and Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI) have been working together to turn algae into low-emission transportation fuel. The collaboration has fostered significant breakthroughs, including most recently the deployment of algae strains at SGI’s California Advanced Algal Facility (CAAF). This outdoor field study, along with continued work in our labs and greenhouse, is helping scientists understand how to scale algae biofuels for potential commercial deployment. The hope is that this unexpected energy source will fuel the world’s trucks, planes and other large transportation vessels. Every day we are getting closer to that reality. By 2025, our teams plan to reach the technical ability to produce 10,000 barrels of algae biofuel per day. This will signal a key engineering milestone for large-scale production of algae biofuel.
Here’s a look back at some major milestones on this algae adventure.
