Green Plains Renewable Energy

BioProcess Algae

In November 2008, we formed a joint venture to commercialize algae production as part of our commitment to next-generation biofuels. BioProcess Algae LLC is a joint venture between Green Plains, Clarcor Inc., BioProcessH2O and NTR. Using our advanced Grower Harvester^TM technology developed around 33 patents, BioProcess Algae is currently producing algae with its commercial scale bioreactors. The recently completed 4,000 square foot facility houses the Grower Harvester bioreactors which were successfully started up in January 2011. The Phase II bioreactors at the project site are 20 times larger than the successful Phase I bioreactors deployed in October 2009.

The algae grown and harvested from our Phase II bioreactors have the potential to be used for advanced bio-fuel production, high quality animal feed, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and/or as biomass for energy production. A benefit from the co-location of the algae project is the ability to use the carbon dioxide that is a by-product of the ethanol production process.

Our goals for Phase II are to satisfactorily demonstrate the scalability of our technology. We plan to utilize third party verification for productivity, harvest densities and the product value concerning lipid content and composition.  

BioProcess Algae from Green Plains on Vimeo.