In collaboration with Durack Institute of Technology, Aurora Algae has completed construction of a new algae cultivation test site in Geraldton, Western Australia, to evaluate the potential of the region for the production of microalgae.
Aurora Algae has operated a pilot-scale algae cultivation facility in Karratha, Western Australia, since May 2011, successfully demonstrating production of up to 15 tonnes of dried algal biomass per month.
“We have fully leveraged the Karratha site, demonstrating the efficient functioning of a small-scale operation, while continuing to refine our cultivation and harvesting processes,” said Greg Bafalis, CEO of Aurora Algae.
“With the Karratha site, we believe we have demonstrated the most technologically advanced algae production system in the world. Having achieved this milestone, we are now preparing for the commercial production stage of our operation, beginning with a careful evaluation of various additional potential cultivation sites.”
Geraldton, approximately 1,000 kilometres south of Karratha, is one potential commercial site location being evaluated by Aurora.
“Beyond favourable weather conditions and proximity to the coast, Geraldton also offers a stable, local work force and the additional benefit of being home to the Batavia Coast Marine Institute, whose facilities provide a great environment for ongoing research and development activities,” Bafalis explained.
Part of Durack Institute of Technology, the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) is a training, research and development facility located at Separation Point in Geraldton.
“We are very exciting to be collaborating with Aurora Algae on this project,” said Bert Beevers, Managing Director of Durack Institute of Technology.
“We believe our existing facilities, expertise and infrastructure will be useful resources during this evaluation stage. Additionally, we appreciate Aurora’s planned investments in infrastructure and processes, which will provide ongoing value to our institution as well as the Mid West region, as the algae cultivation industry continues to grow.”
Aurora Algae is a producer of algae-based products for the pharmaceutical, nutrition, aquaculture and fuels markets. The Company has developed the industry’s first commercial-scale photosynthetic platform for sustainable, algae-based product development.
[Image: Aurora Algae]