Technical Standards Committee
The purpose of the Technical Standards Committee is to develop, review and comment upon, and advocate for the industry standards and best practices for the general benefit of the algal biomass industry. The algal industry is divided into five functional sub-industry segments; each segment will have distinct specifications, standards of measurement, and operational protocols that define and regulate value delivery.
For a summary of the five sub-industry segments and a general listing of the associated technical standards, please click on “ABO Technical Standard Overview".
For text discussing the individual standards and the associated initial tasks necessary to begin the process of drafting an initial Draft Standard (IDS) in each area, please click on “ABO Technical Standard Purpose and Initial Description”.
Director Members: Jim Sears (Chair - Proxy for Mark Allen)
John Benemann
Phil Pienkos
Keith Cooksey
Committee Coordinator: Debra Quella
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer on the ABO Technical Standards Committee, please send a request to Jim Sears listing the Technical Standards you would be willing to be responsible for and the technical or industry qualifications you bring to the task.
Committee Updates
July 1, 2009
ABO Recommends Lifecycle Analysis of Algal Production Systems
The ABO Board of Directors and the Technical Standards Committee have released an ABO LCA Position Brief on carbon lifecycle analysis that defines parameters of interest and encourages public and private collaboration in developing requisite algal LCA protocols, methodologies, and standards. Please download the brief here.
March 16, 2009
Technical Standards Presents at Brussels World Biofuels Markets Conference
Algae in the News
Algal Biomass Organization Questions Accuracy of University of Virginia Algae Life Cycle Study
ABO believes that reliance on obsolete data and faulty assumptions undermines all conclusions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 25, 2010) - The Algal Biomass Organization, today challenged the conclusions of a published report in Environmental Science and Technology claiming that “conventional crops have lower environmental impacts than algae in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and water.” The report was based upon obsolete data and grossly outdated business models, and overlooked tremendous improvements in technology and processes across the production cycle. ABO strongly believes that these obsolete data and faulty assumptions seriously undermine the credibility of the study’s conclusions. View Full Story
Reps. Harry Teague (D-N.M.), Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) Introduce Bill to Boost Algae Biofuels
Congressional efforts are continuing to ensure that algae-based biofuels qualify for federal tax credits. Several companies, including Exxon Mobil Corp., believe algae might one day become a major feedstock for renewable fuels.
Executive Director Mary Rosenthal Testifies Before Congress on Benefits of Algae-Based Fuels
On behalf of its more than 170 members, the ABO's Executive Director Mary Rosenthal testified before Congress today on potential of algae-based fuels to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and increase U.S. energy independence. She also commented on steps legislators can take to ensure algae-based fuels receive benefits and financial incentives similar to those afforded to other biofuel feedstocks. More
Quick Link to ABO Testimony