On November 30, 2009 Algae Collection Technology, LLC (ACT) conducted a macro algae harvesting demonstration for Florida permitting officials, in the Indian River Lagoon, just east of downtown Melbourne.  The successful demonstration was a major step towards securing harvesting permits that will allow the company to remove excess harmful algae from estuaries, and then work with their partners to convert the algae into commercially beneficial products such as alternative energy sources.

ACT’s goal with the demonstration was to show that the environmental impact appeared negligible so a permit could be issued to do a research pilot program.  The research from the pilot will measure the amount of harmful nutrients removed from the estuary when excess algae is removed, the impact and volume of any by-catch, the improvement of water quality by avoiding anoxic conditions created by decomposing algae, the impact on sea grasses and juvenile species, and the potential improvement in water clarity/quality.  It will also allow ACT’s partners to explore the yield from commercial uses of the product.  For example, Global Renewable Energy Resources (GRES) intends to conduct extensive research on the algae harvested in the pilot period to determine if newly invented enzymes can break down the algae into a high yield energy source.  

Science Insider reports that the U.S. government announced plans to pour $786 million into ways to convert corn, wood, grass, and municipal waste into fuel for America’s cars. The funding comes from the Department of Energy’s portion of the $787 billion stimulus package approved in February. In another announcement, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed rules for carrying out a 2007 law that requires a threefold increase in the use of renewable fuels, reaching 36 billion gallons by 2022