S+B: It seems as though this is a U.S.-centric industry. Is algae biofuel a global industry?
COOKE: There appears to be more emphasis in the U.S., at least partly because of the defense industry. But there’s interest in China. It seems like every week I get invitations to biofuel conferences there. The Chinese recognize their pollution problem. Our method of growing algae would be terrific to export to developing nations because they could use it to clean their water while making fuel. The reality today, however, is that algae biofuels are being produced and sold in only a limited way—no matter what part of the world. There is still a long way to go before we can begin to reap their benefits.
- Theodore Kinni is senior editor for books at strategy+business.