wildbillcudasbottom fisherclub

[wildbill]

Microalgae to Fuel B.C.'s Diesel Needs ( CNW Group )
B: Microalgae to Fuel B.C.'s Diesel Needs ( CNW Group )

VANCOUVER, May 5, 2008 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
A $55,000 grant from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands will assist in
developing innovative technologies in microalgae that could one day fuel 100
per cent of B.C.'s diesel needs, announced Soren Harbel, Vice President,
Innovation Development, British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC).

"Culturing microalgae to produce biofuels and bioenergy is gaining momentum
around the world," said Harbel. "This is a great opportunity for B.C. to lead
the way in advancing alternative and clean energy technologies. It will be a
significant step towards commercializing viable energy solutions."

The project will be a critical foundation for further work within
government, academia, and the private sector for microalgae biomass research,
development and technology deployment in British Columbia.

"The cost of food is rising, as a result we need to continue to explore
non-feed stocks for next generation biofuel and bioenergy production and this
is an important step in that direction," said Agriculture and Lands Minister
Pat Bell. "We have made a commitment in our Agriculture Plan and in our
Bioenergy Plan to explore new technologies and new ways of doing business -
we want to have a positive impact on the environment and leave it in better
shape than we found it."

Microalgae farms have great potential for meeting B.C.'s diesel needs, as
they can produce substantially larger amounts of oil on less land, compared
to sources like soybeans and canola. While microalgae farms could potentially
meet 100 percent of the province's needs on less than 40,000 hectares,
sources such as oilseeds, animal wastes, and fry oil can only satisfy 4.5
percent of this need.

Identifying this as a viable opportunity to explore alternative energy
sources, BCIC is leading the project and contributing $10,000. BC Hydro and
Canadian Bioenergy are also on board with contributions of $10,000 and
$5,000, respectively. Environmentalists are keen on the ability of microalgae
farms to capture carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere - a green
advantage that furthers a carbon neutral B.C.

About BCIC

The British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) advances innovation and
commercialization of applied science and technology in partnership with
government, industry and academia. By supporting all levels of education,
BCIC is focused on developing talented British Columbians. Building a strong
future for the knowledge economy is essential to the success of B.C.'s
economy. BCIC is a Crown agency of the Province of British Columbia.

For more information about BCIC, visit www.bcic.ca.

SOURCE: BC Innovation Council
Media contacts: Lin Kishore, Director, Marketing & Communications, British
Columbia Innovation Council, [phone] or 1-800-665-7222,
[e-mail]; Liz
Bicknell, Communications Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, (250)
356-2862,
[phone] (cell)
Copyright (C) 2008 CNW Group. All rights reserved.
*** end of story ***