Sapphire Energy launches algae-powered hybrid

Sapphire Energy launches algae-powered hybrid

Sapphire Energy, maker of an algae-based replacement for gasoline and jet fuel, unveiled its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle today in front of San Francisco’s city hall — combining several promising technologies aimed at slashing carbon emissions.

The car, aptly dubbed the “Algaeus” — built into the… Continue Reading

Sapphire Energy getting the green for its algal biofuel

Sapphire Energy getting the green for its algal biofuel

Well-known but still young biofuel company Sapphire Energy has more than doubled its funding to more than $100 million for its “green crude,” a fuel it says will mimic the best characteristics of the oil we drill for today.

Sapphire’s plan, which I covered in depth… Continue Reading

SequesCO combines CO2 sequestration with biofuel production

SequesCO combines CO2 sequestration with biofuel production

Sequesco joins a growing list of startups that are using synthetic biology to custom-produce advanced biofuels. But unlike competitors LS9 and Amyris, which are engineering microbes to make hydrocarbon-based fuels from various plant biomass sources, it uses waste carbon dioxide as its primary feedstock.

The idea… Continue Reading

EdeniQ quietly raises $33 million for cellulosic ethanol

EdeniQ quietly raises $33 million for cellulosic ethanol

updated

EdeniQ, an Encino, Calif.-based cellulosic ethanol startup, has quietly wrapped up a $33 million round of funding as part of its spinoff from parent company Altra Biofuels. PE Hub reports that Advanced Equities Investments and Draper Fisher Jurvetson were the lead investors; other backers include… Continue Reading

Sapphire Energy gets “open checkbook” from investors for algae-based gasoline

Sapphire Energy gets “open checkbook” from investors for algae-based gasoline

Another algal biofuel company has emerged from stealth mode, and this one has the biggest story yet, at least according to the estimation of its investors.

Only a year old, Sapphire Energy is a San Diego startup that has lab-developed an algae that it says can… Continue Reading