The technology
There are hundreds of thousands of different algae, many of them unidentified. At Cellana, we have created a system to identify the most suitable naturally occurring strains of marine algae for the production of different biofuels and animal feed in different geographies. At our pilot facility we grow only non-modified, marine microalgae, indigenous to Hawaii or approved by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
At Cellana’s Kona pilot facility on Hawaii’s Big Island, algae are cultivated in Cellana’s proprietary hybrid system, using a combination of open seawater ponds and photo bioreactors, requiring only carbon dioxide (CO2), sunlight and nutrients. Cellana’s technology optimizes conditions for cultivation to improve efficiency using optimal turbulence in the water and the effective use of selected nutrients.
The Kona pilot facility plays a pivotal role in testing and improving Cellana’s technology. We draw on a worldwide academic research program for new research data to achieve cost reductions and efficiency benefits.
Once harvested, there are a number of conversion technologies that can be used to convert the algal oil into high quality biofuels, including transesterification and hydrotreating. The residual defatted biomass and carbohydrates can also be used to make a fishmeal replacement for the animal feed industry.
At Cellana our priorities are sustainability, productivity and cost-effectiveness. Our research and development activities at the Kona pilot facility are currently focused on yield improvement and cost reductions through engineering research.
