Novozymes, Sea6 Energy partner for ethanol from seaweed

In India, Novozymes announced an exploratory research agreement with India’s Sea6 Energy to jointly develop a process for the production of biofuels from seaweed. The research alliance will use enzymes to convert seaweed-based carbohydrates to sugar, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol for fuel, fine chemicals, proteins for food, and fertilizers for plants.

Novozymes will research, develop, and manufacture enzymes for the conversion process, while Sea6 Energy contributes its offshore seaweed cultivation technology. Sea6 Energy is currently trialing its cultivation technology in partnership with a few fishing communities around the coastal areas of South India.