NREL research discover fast-growing, resilient algal strain

In Colorado, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Colorado School of Mines discovered a promising new algal strain which can be cultivated outdoors at high temperature and in saltwater and can rapidly convert carbon dioxide into renewable biomass. The strain they identified— Picochlorum renovo—was one of hundreds that the researchers studied.

Picochlorum renovo’s rapid growth may be, in part, attributable to its ability to undergo cell division both day and night, coupled to a relatively compact genome. In addition, genetic modifications can be made to this strain in as little as a week, compared to several weeks for some other strains.