How Does it Work?

Sapphire Energy′s Green Crude is produced directly from CO2 and sunlight. Algae′s number one nutrient source is CO2, consuming 13 to 14kg of CO2 per gallon of Green Crude. Our algae is grown in open ponds and performs best in desert climates. Sapphire energy uses non-potable, non-fresh water and uses non-arable land, therefore it does not contribute to deforestation. The algae is harvested and oil is extracted from algae biomass. We then concentrate the oils and prepare Green Crude for processing and refining via our proprietary processes. As a hydrocarbon, algae based fuel fits within the current energy infrastructure from refinement through distribution. It does not require additional investment in the $10 trillion existing energy infrastructure. The end result is a complete Drop-in replacemement fuel that is ASTM certified Gasoline, Diesel x26 Jet fuel for the cars, trucks and airplanes we are using today.

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The process for making algae into fuel at a very base level is this: Sunlight and CO2 are the source of energy and carbon dioxide, rather than sugar or other organic material. By applying the principals used in biotechnology, Sapphire has produced oil in algae that is highly branched and undecorated - the way that traditional crude is – to get a biological crude molecularly similar to light sweet crude. This Green Crude is then processed at a refinery just as traditional crude to make all three major distillates – gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.