Netherlands-based BioKing today introduced new, small scale photo-bioreactors designed to produce algae for biodiesel production.

BioKing says the patented technology in its scalable photo-bioreactors can contribute to the production of biodiesel and "other valuable bio-commodities" from algae oil.

It says its technology has the potential to dramatically improve biodiesel yields from algae oil.

“After only 3.5 hours inside the newly designed continuous photo-bioreactor system, algae can be collected and processed,” said Hans van de Ven, president of BioKing. “With our fast growing algae and our advanced photo-bioreactor, it only takes four days to be in full production and to collect the first algae. And the cost of biodiesel feedstock will only be 5-10 cents a liter.”

BioKing makes other biodiesel equipment. It aims to build a world-wide sustainable network that will deliver value from "earth-to-engine," it said.

BioKing Green Energy NV is a recently formed subsidiary that plans to engage in research and development of algae cultivation as an energy source for the production of biodiesel. Facilities are to be based in The Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.

Micro-algae have the highest potential of energy yield in any vegetable oil crop.

Some species of algae are ideally suited for biodiesel production due to their high oil content, some as much as 50%, and extremely fast growth rates. They can be grown in adverse conditions like deserts and saline water.

Proponents say algae is the solution to the food vs. fuel issue of today's ethanol and biodiesel.