Singapore, Aug 23, 2010: Based on its recent analysis of the algae biofuels market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes US-based biotech company, Algasol Renewables, with the 2010 Global Algae Biofuels Green Excellence in Technology Innovation of the Year Award.

Algasol Renewables provides a critical and innovative method for micro algae biomass production. Its modular floating bag technology, a new variation of photobioreactors (PBRs), is said to provide a low-cost design coupled with industrial scalability, optimal light exposure, high biomass concentration, low energy consumption, and efficient system control. According to the company, a key aspect of the technology is its entirely flexible structure utilizing only an integrated density management system to control the position of the PBR in the water.

"Algasol Renewables' approach is expected to be the pioneer to achieve an economically and environmentally sustainable large-scale algae biofuels production," says Frost & Sullivan Global Program Manager, Transportation Chemicals, Mr Robert Outram. "The company has shown an astonishing entrepreneurial dexterity in introducing a new environment-friendly production system, which could eventually be rolled out across the world."

The company is able to reduce energy and water use by taking advantage of an internal aeration system, high biomass concentration and free stirring from waves as well as through a natural temperature buffer provided by the surrounding sea, providing maximum flexibility in terms of where to locate large-scale micro algae production facilities.

Large-scale production of algae biofuels requires huge amounts of energy, water, nutrients, and non-degradable inputs. This is likely to raise concern about its supposedly beneficial environmental contribution. Achieving this goal is expected to significantly ease the world's fossil fuel dependency. Hence, CO2 emissions, which contribute to climate change, are likely to be reduced.