Resource Industry Conference 21-22 August 2013 Gerald Barker
~ A story of Innovation ~ Discover – Biological Research Develop – Engineering solutions Profit – Commercial application
Muradel Pty Ltd - The Company • Overall Objective : To develop sustainable drop-in biofuel to reduce reliance on fossil fuel, reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel security. • Incorporated in Dec 2010: Partners: SQC Pty Ltd 70% University of Adelaide 15% Murdoch University 15% • Staff and Operations: Whyalla; Location for the Demonstration Scale Plant Adelaide Office; design, development and administration School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide
Objective: 1: Exploit Nature Discovery: Production of marine, salt tolerant microalgae – [ Tetraselmis spp].
R&D
Objective: 2 : Development of an Integrated Solution Production, harvest, concentrate and convert to renewable crude oil product. Market
Linking Science and Engineering
Expansion Step to the “Field”
Muradel Pty Ltd is Established Muradel board of Directors
Pilot Plant Development Completed
R&D Driven Innovation ~ $10m Project The Challenge: to become “investment ready”
Muradel Demonstration Plant - Designed 1. Saltwater storage 2. Inoculation ponds 3. Bioconversion equipment 4. Evaporation pond 4000 m 2 production pond with integrated harvesting 5.
The Process
Muradel Showcase Muradel Chairman, Ollie Clark (AM) with Energy Minister, The Hon Gary Gray.
Key Strengths • Core innovation – high yielding algae, efficient process for renewable ‘drop - in’ fuel. • Strong interdisciplinary collaboration; driven by experienced chemical engineers and business disciplines. • Growing international commercial interest and support.
The Next Steps • Construct & commission the Muradel Demonstration Plant by Dec 2013: • Operate and evaluate MDP through to end of 2014: Life cycle analysis, GHG footprint and Energy ratio True cost of production Staged development of fuel ‘product’ • Future Markets: Drivers includes secure off-take agreements to facilitate investment and commercial scale production.
What does this development mean for the region? Short term : • Muradel will be engaging local suppliers and construction services • Muradel will be hiring Plant Operating staff from the local community. • THIS IS A MODEST BEGINNING ON A 2 HECTARE SITE. Longer term: • IF the development proves technically successful and financially viable; commercial investment and scale up will follow.
The Way Forward Strong Foundations: Solid technology base International recognition – recently identified in 10 leading global developments Other promising collaborative ventures are under consideration.
Muradel does anticipate scale up to many hundreds of hectares and significant investment. Site selection for full scale algae based operations will be explored. This region holds strong potential, with good climate, excellent infrastructure and marginal land. Muradel is on the look out for local partnerships: Waste material conversion, nutrient sources, CO2 And potential users of renewable fuel. Contacts and follow-up are welcome: www.muradel.com.au
Acknowledgements Muradel acknowledges the financial contribution from the ARENA organisation, and that from SQC Pty Ltd . Special thanks are due to members of the Whyalla City Council and staff, and also the Whyalla Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In addition, many thanks to the RDA Whyalla office.
The Team Special acknowledgements:
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