LEED fund fuels algae initiative

• Aurora Algae Pty Ltd about to complete LEED funded project
• More than $1.98million invested by State Government for biodiesel production

A company that produces biofuel from algae in Karratha is on track to become the first recipient of State Government Low Emissions Energy Development (LEED) funds to complete all its project milestones.

Aurora Algae Pty Ltd received more than $1.98million in 2010 under the third round of LEED funding for a project to source carbon dioxide from a major industrial plant near Karratha for use as feedstock for algal production, with subsequent production of biodiesel and other algal products.

Visiting the site today, Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the company had successfully completed eight of the 10 milestones, with $1.83million from the LEED fund paid to date.

"One of Aurora's major achievements is the successful test driving of a vehicle running on biodiesel produced from algae grown at the Karratha facility," Mr Marmion said.

"It is innovations like this that drive the low emission technology sector forward, which in turn helps to address the challenge of climate change. Other milestones achieved under the LEED funded project include the construction of ponds and systems required for the culturing and harvesting of algae."

The Minister said the LEED fund was assisting the development of new, low emission technologies such as solar, wave, tidal and geothermal energy.

"The LEED fund is supporting technological development to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector and is an important part of the State Government's commitment to providing practical solutions to address climate change in Western Australia," he said.

"Other projects funded in the first three LEED rounds include an oil mallee harvester, which has harvested over 200 tonnes of mallee, and a wave energy project which successfully completed in-water testing off Garden Island and is currently completing the design for a larger, grid-connected facility."

   Fact File

• LEED fund has invested $22million since 2009
• Fourth round will see a further $8million invested this year
• Funding is subject to companies matching every $1 of State Government funds with at least $3 from elsewhere

Minister's office - 9220 5000