Food, Face Cream and Jet Fuel: Japanese Firm Finds Many Uses for Algae

Microorganisms tinier than a single strand of human hair could be used to fuel air-planes in the near future.

Euglena, a Japanese Tech company has been experimenting on a certain type of algae for the use in cosmetics and food, and have stumbled up other potential uses of it.

Partnering with one of Japans leading airlines, ANA, the firm is looking to produce around 33 000 gallons of the biofuel annually from its first refinery.

Mitsuru Elzumo, Euglena’s founder says "Everyone says it's crazy the first time they hear the idea." But "in terms of science and technology... it's a very simple idea."

The dried algae’s powder contains oil is chemically similar to that of Kerosene, and can be extracted.

A test facility is being built in Yokohama, not too far from Tokyo’s airports. Once its running (2018), the facility is expected to produce up to 5 barrels of biofuel daily, from the Algae which shares the same name as the firm “Euglena“.

However the amount is far too little. Mitsuru aims to pump up production by 400%, and open another sister refinery to assist within the next 3 years, thereby decreasing the cost of the carbon-neutral fuel, making it commercial viable.

The biofuel will still need to be mixed with the usual jet fuel, and will only provide enough fuel for a very limited number flights.

The algae has characteristics of both fauna and flora, and after Elzumo was looking to find a “super food” to fight malnutrition in countries home to starving children.

Elzumo was inspired by a story found in a manga comic to find a "magic bean" like ingredient that could solve serious problems that the world faces.

He didn't find the “magic bean”, so he settled for miniscule algae in its place.

A good decision, building a company that is now worth nine hundred and thirty million dollar on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Some bigger thoughts involve fuelling a flight to Mar’s, and providing food for astronauts throughout the journey. 

Kengo Suzuki, the research director says. "If we can cultivate it in space, it could be used to support human lives."