Energy Research Center Plans Algae Confab

Media Contact: , (859) 257-1754, x228

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 19, 2009) − The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research and Ohio University will hold the first Ohio River Valley Algae Symposium Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 12 and 13, at Henderson Community College in Henderson.

The symposium will bring together experts and researchers who are studying how algae can be used to capture carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion and convert the emissions to biomass.

Algae are the fastest-growing photosynthesizing organisms on Earth.  Algae also process higher oil content per mass than other sources of biomass and can contain more than 50 percent oil by weight.  These factors make algae a potentially ideal source of bio-derived fuels.

The symposium will feature sessions on research, industrial-commercialization issues, and policy issues relating to carbon dioxide capture and sequestration.

The symposium is free and open to the public.

More information may be obtained by contacting Teresa Epperson at (859) 257-0200 or via e-mail.

The symposium is being sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence.