Phoenix AZ Jobs Created by Algaebiofuel Funding
New funding to support algaebiofuel research and development will help create Phoenix AZ jobs (Click here).
During the recent Algal Biomass Organization's national conference in Phoenix, Gov. Jan Brewer announced that $2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be used to support the research and development of algaebiofuel initiatives in an effort to create additional alternative fuels and bring Arizona's economy into the future.
"Our state has the potential to be a national and global leader in algae research and biotechnology, reducing America's dependence on fossil fuel while increasing opportunities in a new industry that will create promising new jobs for Arizonans," Brewer said. "Science Foundation Arizona funded early state work in Algal research; now combined with excellence at ASU, our state will build on this important research and commercialization opportunity."
As part of the funding for algaebiofuel research and development, Science Foundation Arizona will lead the effort to open a new Arizona Center for Algae Technologies and Innovations.
"We thank Governor Brewer for her leadership and dedication to innovative technologies - this infusion of funding to the AzCATI will go a long way toward moving Arizona into the forefront for 'green' technologies research and development, eventually bringing these products to market," William C. Harris, president and CEO of Science Foundation Arizona, said. "Arizona has the potential to become the hub of all sustainable industries, particularly when there is this type of public support."
Researchers at Arizona State University also will be a big part of the effort, as they are working to develop new methods of extracting oil-rich algae strains and turning them into biodiesel and aviation fuel.
"ASU has emerged as one of the leading national centers on algae research," Rick Shangraw, senior vice president for Knowledge Enterprise Development at ASU, said. "ASU has the research expertise and capabilities to influence advances in algal technologies to realize largescale production of algae-derived fuel in the near future."