Valcent Products

Valcent Products is a manufacturing company that markets products for industrial, commercial, and consumer use. The goods they produce range from skincare products to biofuel technologies.

In December, 2007, Valcent Products CEO Glen Kurtz announced that they had developed technologies to create biofuel out of algae. They partnered with Vertigro Technology to perfect their technique for developing algae fuel. Kertz stated that 100,000 gallons of oil can be produced per acre of algae, compared to 30 gallons from corn or 50 from soybeans.CNN.com: Algae: 'The ultimate in renewable energy' (April 1, 2008)

The basis of the Vertigro Technology is the use of vertical growth mechanisms which allow for a 1/3 greater yield per acre of algae than a traditional pond or flat system. Current estimates are that an acre of algae grown using this method will generate in the neighborhood of 100,000 gallons of oil for biodiesel per year.