Record funding for Algae R&D expected in 2020

In Washington, the Algae Biomass Organization said that a record amount of federal funding for algae research, development and commercialization projects in 2020. Strong Congressional support signals that algae technologies will continue to make remarkable headway. A breakdown of the 2020 funding includes $40 million to be directed to the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office for algae research and development. This is a $10 million increase over last year’s funding. Also, $21 million to the DOE’s Fossil Energy office for for non-geologic carbon utilization activities. Last year this office received $14 million. FE is already supporting impressive carbon capture and algae cultivation projects, in coordination with utilities, ABO member companies and other stakeholders. Finally, up to $10 million is being allocated for R&D into direct air capture technologies. This has been a priority in ABO’s advocacy efforts. A wide range of technologies will compete for this funding, but with algae’s ability to absorb massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, we expect strong consideration will be given to a number of cutting-edge algae cultivation projects. ABO tipped its hat to Scott Peters (D-CA), Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) for their work in support.