ABB technology for control and efficiency of algae harvesting and conversion process; algae used for nutritional supplements, animal feed and fuel

Zurich, Switzerland, July 30, 2014, – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it is collaborating with Renewable Algal Energy, LLC (RAE) on the commercialization of integrated algal production systems that will produce algae-based products for the nutraceutical, animal nutrition, and renewable fuels markets. The OEM systems were developed and tested at RAE’s facility in Tuscon, Arizona; the first commercial application is scheduled to be operating in Q4, 2014.

“We are honored that ABB has selected to work with RAE in the development of infrastructure for RAE’s unique technology in complete integrated algal production systems,” stated Jeffrey S. Kanel, Ph.D. and CEO of RAE. “To have the global leader in power and automation technologies as a strategic partner is a huge endorsement of RAE’s ability to commercialize our technology in the creation of sustainable algal products.”

RAE will produce the equipment that harvest and extract algae and its co-products, including oil, for renewable fuels, as well as proteins and carotenoids for animal feed and nutritional supplements. The scalable systems are designed for medium to large scale algae farms, up to 2,000 hectares (10,000 square meters). ABB will supply 800xA control systems, instrumentation, low voltage electrical equipment and variable speed drives that will help those integrated algal production systems operate efficiently and reliably. In addition to process control, 800xA provides remote access to the base control room on each algae farm, so that multiple locations can be viewed and managed by one operator. The variable speed drives help the pumps and motors operate at their peak energy efficiency, using up to 10% less electricity.

“This solution offers a low cost, efficient process for the harvesting and extraction of algae and its co-products including oil,” said Tobias Becker, Head of Control Technologies at ABB. “The process efficiencies achieved with ABB’s and RAE’s technologies make the production of sustainable fuels and nutrients an economically feasible business activity.”

Founded in 2007 and based in Johnson City, Tennessee, Renewable Algal Energy, LLC, (www.rae-energy.com) has assembled a world-class team of scientists and engineers who have developed and demonstrated patented technology that provides an economical and sustainable route to algal products that serve the nutraceutical, animal nutrition, and renewable fuels markets.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a global leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.