Printer-friendly version
July 3, 2010 (San Diego) -- Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) applauds the announcement of a $9 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to a UC San Diego led consortium for research into use of algae for biofuels.
According to a San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) analysis, research on algal biofuels employs 410 scientists and other workers in San Diego and provides nearly $28.8 million in payroll and $56.2 million in economic activity for the region. Direct spending on algal biofuels, combined with the additional jobs and spending in related service industries is currently responsible for 784 jobs, $44.6 million in wages and $108.3 million in economic output in the San Diego region.
“This is a major step in making biofuels from algae a viable alternative to fossil fuels,” said Filner, who lent his support to the grant proposal. “We are uniquely situated to take advantage of the abundant natural resources, excellent research facilities and some of the brightest minds in the field. I have no doubt that the next generation of advances in alternative energy will come out of San Diego.”
The $9 million in federal funds comes on top of $3 million from a consortium of biotechnology and energy companies, making a total of $12 million for the three year research effort that will begin this summer, according to UCSD officials.
The SANDAG analysis was paid for by SD-CAB and CleanTECH San Diego, a non-profit corporation formed to accelerate San Diego's position as a world leader in the clean energy economy. More information on SD-CAB and a copy of the 2010 SANDAG analysis can be obtained at: http://algae.ucsd.edu/
Recent comments