KORDI to build 10-hectare microalgae plant

The Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute (KORDI) said it will build a 10-hectare production plant to produce biodiesel using chlorella and other microalgae found in the ocean or freshwater by 2013.  KORDI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lotte E&C, Aekyung Petrochemical and Honam Petrochemical to conduct joint research on the production of microalgae-based biofuels. KORDI currently has a 40-ton microalgae biofuel testing facility at which the institute plans to produce roughly 600 liters of biodiesel starting this year. (June 22, 2011)