Algae biofuels project goes commercial

I thought there was another biofuel project that the WIPP money paid for also? Are the Waltershieds not doing good with the money they got?
Is it lost money?

Been wondering about that myself. They received at least a million dollars. I know they closed their tire enterprise, haven't heard about their Texas dairy.

Another press release with absolutely nothing reported about the pilot stage production economics. Everyone by now should realize it doesn't matter how much oil you produce per acre, it's how much the oil costs compared to other oil resources - petroleum and or vegetable. Reports like this that don't mention production costs - are a waste of reading time.

Hummmm

CCA never completes or follows up on a story that they print. the public is left in the dark.

Tonto wrote:

I thought there was another biofuel project that the WIPP money paid for also? Are the Waltershieds not doing good with the money they got?
Is it lost money?

I have been wondering the same thing about that money, but why is it Artesia picking up all of these sweet deals.

Who in Artesia has all of the political clout or pay to play power?

It is my understanding that the Waltershieds plant is already producing biodiesel. Just how much, I have no idea. But know they have been selling some locally at least.

Just Looking Revisited wrote:

It is my understanding that the Waltershieds plant is already producing biodiesel. Just how much, I have no idea. But know they have been selling some locally at least.

perhaps a news release????

i thing the "Cetane" is what its called and i think there still doing it but you know the City of Carlsbad you got to put on a circus show first then you can build..

Here are the facts that I know. My sources are directly from Mr. Aves who runs the Walterscheid plant, and Mr Brown who is a top manager with the algae project.

Cetane energy, which is on the Hobbs Hiway and is run by the Walterscheids' is currently producing over 1,000 gallons day. They employ @5-8 people. Began production around Dec 2008, they are profitable, they only received a loan guarantee, not a grant. They have a patented process using using waste cooking oil, and waste fat from rendering plants. They use very little water, and their is virtually no harmful byproducts or waste.
I believe he sd the main byproduct is water. They will very soon be ramping up the size of this project, especially if price of oil goes up again.

The reason the Algae plant is located south of Artesia is because that is where the NMSU southeast agricultural experiment farm is located. They have donated the land. And help with the project. It also involves some top secret processes. Obviously they use a lot more water, but my understanding is that they are developing the best strains of algae to grow in the large supply of brine water that is found in this area.

A 3rd plant for alternative energy is going in near the airport. I believe in the short term they will be the largest employer. I am not as informed on this one. But I believe they use a breakthrough technology developed at the University of Hawaii to produce clean burning "charcoal" from waste plant matter: leaves, sticks, wood...etc.