Bob Metlcalf takes helm of Greenfuel technologies
According to Cnet Bob Metcalf has taken the helm of Greenfuel Technologies replacing Carry Bullock. Layoffs are expected at the algae to biofuels firm, according to Cnet.
A letter purportedly from Metcalf outlined one of the difficulties behind the firm’s decision to close one of its algae plants in Arizona. Quoting from Xeconomy
The plan is that the interim period will not last beyond year’s end. In Metcalfe’s note, he called the greenhouse shutdown in the Arizona desert a “success failure” typical of efforts to commercialize emerging technologies. “Our current third-generation engineering scale greenhouse grew algae faster than expected, demonstrating again that CO2 recycling and algae productivity can be achieved at scale in our high-technology greenhouses. However, this very success triggered failure, as we could not harvest the rapidly growing algae quickly enough. Their unexpected density limited light and nutrient supply, which caused them to start dying. As a result, the greenhouse had to be shut down.
”
If that is the case then its pretty good news for the biofuel from algae lobby. Greenfuel technologies need more cash (who doesn′t ) and they need a compelling partner for the algae project by the year end says the letter.
Original post by Simon Robinson