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Green Stream Farms updates commissioners on algae operation, scale-up plans and product markets
Summary
Green Stream Farms presented on operations at the local algae production facility, describing pond operations, drying processes, customers and plans for scale-up including refrigerated inoculum tanks and additional dryers; the presentation noted challenges with seasonality and market channels.
Green Stream Farms offered an operational briefing to the commission on the local algae-production facility formerly known as Sapphire Energy. Cliff Kane, director and project manager, described cultivation and harvesting processes at the farm, the facility'scale (72 ponds of various sizes), seasonal production limits and plans to increase inoculum storage to shorten start-up times.
Kane explained the production flow from cultivation ponds through DAF (dissolved air flotation) tanks and dewatering systems to dryers, describing the farm'specific equipment such as SmartFlow dewatering units and drum dryers. He said the operation currently retains most process water within the system, that ponds are lined to minimize losses and noted pests (rotifers) and summertime night temperatures as key cultivation constraints.
The presentation addressed market channels and diversification: Kane said the company had pursued biofuel and nutraceutical markets, is exploring animal feed, building-materials applications and biodegradable packaging partnerships, and reported ongoing commercial talks with a large customer through a buyer (Qualitas). He said the farm is working with ASU on strain and CO2 work and is evaluating solar heat for drying to reduce propane costs.
Kane described capital needs for scale-up (refrigerated inoculum tanks and additional dryers) with rough cost ranges and emphasized the company's capacity to host trials and scale quickly if demand materializes. He invited commissioners, staff and local students (4-H and high school programs) to tour the farm and explore workforce or educational connections.
Representative quote: "Algae is very, very complicated as many people don't know," Kane said, summarizing the science and operational complexity. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about markets and food use; Kane said algae is used in animal feed, nutraceuticals and growing interest in other applications.
