SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Scottsdale, Ariz.-based PetroSun Inc. announced it's in the final stage of field testing the cultivation of algae for biodiesel production.
"We view this as an opportunity to produce a renewable energy product that will assist in providing a healthier planet for future generations," said Gordon LeBlanc, Jr., chief executive officer of PetroSun.
The next step is the construction of a commercial cultivation facility.
The algae is processed into paste and enough needs to be produced to test the output and economics of several biodiesel refinery manufacturers.
Algae Biofuels, a wholly owned subsidiary of PetroSun, will own and operate the production and refinery facilities. Some of the sites under consideration include Arizona, New Mexico, California, Louisiana and Michigan. In the foreign market, Australia and China are the leading candidates for production and refinery operations.
"Should the cultivation process prove to be successful outside of the U.S. Sunbelt, Algae BioFuels' model is to locate production and refinery sites near major cities and truck routes to reduce the cost of biodiesel in those areas," LeBlanc said.
Algae-based biodiesel has no sulfur, is non-toxic, biodegradable and does not face the same commodity risks as crude oil, corn and soybeans.
