Aussie researchers achieve sustained 50 tonnes/ha/year algae yields in open, saline ponds: new pilot will do even better, team says

In Australia, scientists in a algal fuel project which includes Murdoch University and the University of Adelaide said that they are have proven that it is possible to grow large amounts of algal biomass in open saline ponds, and have done so consistently and without contamination.

The group said that they have achieved production rates of  50 tonnes of algal biomass per hectare per year, or 13 grams per square meter per day, and said that they were achieving a 50 percent of higher oil content, and expected to do better at a new pilot scale facility. The project is supported by $1.89 million Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate.

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