Aurora Algae edges closer to omega-3 EPA commercialization
The company announced this week that MWH and John Holland (JH) have been awarded the initial engineering contract, a move which is claimed to represent the start of the construction of the largest commercial scale photosynthetic algae facility in the world.
“Aurora Algae is now the first global company to begin a commercial project for bioproduct and biofuel production based on photosynthetic marine microalgae,” said Greg Bafalis, CEO of Aurora Algae.
“Awarding the initial engineering contract advances us one step closer to the commercialization of our revolutionary platform, and the ongoing support and validation from the Australian government, through achievements such as Major Project Facilitation status, is a key driver for our rapid progress.”
Product range
The company announced the launch of its A2 product portfolio earlier this year, a range that included protein-rich powder and a ‘game changing’ sustainable EPA-rich omega-3 oil.
Speaking to NutraIngredients-USA in April, Leslie van der Meulen, vice president of business development for Aurora Algae, explained that the company can produce a vegetarian food source and renewable biofuel products, year-round with a single crop.
The A2 portfolio is comprised of four categories, including omega-3 and the A2 EPA Pure product, as well as protein products for food and beverages, algae-derived biofuel, and a family of protein-rich algal grains for feed, mostly aquaculture.
“The allergen-free, vegetarian sourced A2 EPA Pure will be a game changer,” said van der Meulen, who is also Secretary for omega-3 trade association GOED. “The unique properties and infinitely scalable nature of our algae platform will allow our customers to safely invest in the abundant application potential of EPA, knowing their supply is guaranteed.”
