Governor Jan Brewer Dedicates Funding to Advance Algae Technologies and Innovations

PHOENIX, AZ (September 28, 2010) — Arizona is poised to become a major player in the multi-billion dollar algaebiofuel industry, and Governor Jan Brewer today dedicated two million dollars to support important research and development that promises to develop alternative fuels and propel the state’s economy into the future. Several hundred of the world’s leading energy scientists and industry representatives gathered for the announcement during the Algal Biomass Organization’s national conference, which is taking place this week in Phoenix.

“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,” said Governor Brewer. “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.”

In awarding the funding, Governor Brewer called on Science Foundation Arizona to lead the state effort in support of 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,” said William C. Harris, president and CEO of Science Foundation Arizona. “Arizona has the potential to become the hub of all sustainable industries, particularly when there is this type of public support.”

Research and development with algae provides a 21st-century alternative fuel source to power cars, trucks and planes. Researchers at Arizona State University are at the forefront of developing new methods to extract oil-rich algae strains and turn it into biodiesel and aviation fuel.

“ASU has emerged as one of the leading national centers on algae research,” said Rick Shangraw, senior vice president for Knowledge Enterprise Development at ASU. ”ASU has the research expertise and capabilities to influence advances in algal technologies to realize large-scale production of algae-derived fuel in the near future.”

“Arizona’s future is bright green and it’s because algae innovations are going to help clean air and water, fuel transportation, feed livestock, and grow good jobs,” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Benjamin H. Grumbles.

The 4th annual Algae Biomass Summit is being held at the JW Marriott in Phoenix through September 30.

Funding for this project is derived from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) discretionary monies are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Media Contact

Nicole McTheny, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

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The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.