Work begins on algae-based feed plant in Iowa
Shenandoah’s BioProcess Algae and Green Plains Renewable Energy broke ground last week on the construction of its five-acre (1.2 ha) production plant at Green Plains in Shenandoah, Iowa, USA.
The project’s Grower Harvester bioreactors, or ponds, have been effectively running outdoors since late August 2011. This groundbreaking marks the third phase in the project to commercialize algae for feed and high-value nutraceutical markets.
Phase one of algae production was launched in October 2009.
“The incredible success of this project, from its conception in 2008 to this groundbreaking today, is a result of a combination of great partnerships, great science, great engineering and great leadership,” said Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Executive Director Gregg Connell.
“Moving forward into the five-acre production facility, we have successfully brought algae directly into the sunlight to increase growth rates,” said Tim Burns, CEO of BioProcess Algae.
“Our vision is to build strategic partnerships with major companies in food, animal feed and pharmaceutical industries around the world.”
