New Australian JV for algae biofuels; partnership with Rio Tinto

A new Australian company has been established to produce commercial quantities of renewable hydrocarbon biofuels from algae. The company, Muradel Pty Ltd, is a joint venture of Murdoch University, Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd (the commercial development company of the University of Adelaide), and commercial partner SQC Pty Ltd.

Incorporated in 2010, Muradel has raised A$5 million (US$4.96 million) for project development in a partnership with Rio Tinto.

Australian researchers Professor Michael Borowitzka (Murdoch University) and Dr. David Lewis (University of Adelaide) are leaders in the development of biofuels from micro-algae. Their work has already led to the establishment of a $3.3-million algae pilot plant in Karratha, Western Australia, with support from Rio Tinto.

The focus of this new company is to bring to commercial reality a large-scale business that leverages the natural advantages of the Australian environment, producing algae for renewable fuel and co-products from the biomass.

Our research team has proven that it is possible to grow large quantities of algae for commercial biofuel purposes. The establishment of Muradel Pty Ltd is the next major step in Australia becoming a world leader in biofuel production.

—Professor Borowitzka

Murdoch University’s expertise lies in commercial production of algae and algal products, while the University of Adelaide is contributing engineering expertise in algal processing. SQC Pty Ltd is a South Australian-based company whose mission is to develop commercial processing of micro-algae biomass into renewable hydrocarbon products, especially fuels.

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed public company headquartered in the UK, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with executive offices in Melbourne.