Biotech Updates

Western Australia to Build Seawater Pipeline for Algae Projects

February 13, 2013

Press release: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/pages/StatementDetails.aspx?listName=StatementsBarnett&StatId=7239
News article: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-06/wa-govt-to-pipe-10m-into-algae-project/4504402?&section=news


The government of Western Australia will spend $10 million for the construction of a seawater pipeline in Pilbara to support expansion of the region's algae industry. The pipeline would initially support Aurora Algae, a US-based green tech company, which currently operates a pilot facility that produces biofuel, omega-3, nutraceuticals and protein-rich biomass for aquaculture and animal feed.

The Pilbara is ideally suited for the algae industry owing to its abundant sunshine and access to sea water - the two key ingredients for efficient algae production - and the ready supply of carbon dioxide that is a by-product of the resources sector.