Algal Biomass Organization and University of Minnesota to Show Algae's Future in the Northern Climate

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - Sep 28, 2011) - The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), the leading trade association for the algae industry, is partnering with the University of Minnesota to offer a unique workshop and tour for attendees of the 5^th annual Algae Biomass Summit, which will be held October 24 - 27 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

The October 24 workshop, titled "Algae - A Midwest and Northern Climes Perspective," will feature presentations by experts on algae growth in northern climates, as well as a tour of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. In addition to the physical tour of the laboratory, attendees will also participate in virtual tours of two algae-industry firms operating in the region: Algaedyne and BioProcess Algae.

More information on the workshop, including a link to registration and the full agenda, is available at: http://www.algalbiomass.org/events/.

"This is a unique opportunity to see first-hand how top-notch research institutions and businesses are developing the algae industry in northern regions," said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the ABO. "The research and commercialization taking place here in Minnesota demonstrates that algae for energy really is a 50-state economic development and job creation engine. This workshop and tour will showcase innovative approaches to benefitting from algae even in colder climates."

With the progress of start ups and commercialization efforts nationwide, continued research breakthroughs, and a new $510 million investment in next-generation biofuels announced last month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy and the U.S. Navy, the workshop will offer a window into one segment of an industry with high potential.

"The growing algae industry, and the biofuels and other products that come from it, will play a role in the economic development of Minnesota and the surrounding region," said John Sheehan, Scientific Director for Biofuels and the Global Environment with the University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment. "We're excited to show attendees how this region -- and the University of Minnesota in particular -- is making a unique contribution to the industry."

The workshop will take place just before the opening of the 5^th annual Algae Biomass Summit, the largest conference of algae producers, scientists, investors and policymakers. During the course of the event, leaders and attendees will discuss issues of critical importance to the emerging algae industry, including the commercial viability of algae production, current government and private initiatives, evolving technologies, processing concepts, life cycle analysis and venture/project finance.

The Algae Biomass Summit features presentations and poster sessions from more than 200 experts from around the world, with exhibits by more than 60 companies and organizations across the algae industry value chain. The event is expected to attract more than 800 participants, with 20 countries already represented among the registrants to date.

About the ABO
The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algalbiomass.org.

About the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is one of the nation's leading renewable energy research institutions. Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory within the College of Science and Engineering is an interdisciplinary fluid mechanics research and training facility focused on environmental, energy and health challenges. The Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE) -- part of the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment and a major sponsor of the pre-conference workshop -- has provided over $35M to nearly 250 renewable energy projects across the university since its inception in 2004.