Scale Is Everything

SIB understands utility scale renewable energy and carbon projects because SIB partners include utilities. These companies know that lab scale technologies may not always work at the generation site. This fundamental view of scale drives every technology commercialization decision within SIB.

The relationships SIB has established with the electric generation industry offer a wealth of access to end-user expertise not found elsewhere. SIB partners are committed to leveraging innovative renewable technologies into commercial application using existing infrastructure and industry experience. These resources set SIB apart from many other alternative energy and algae technology companies.

Holcomb 1 - Test Bed

SIB is committed to the development, deployment, and replication of carbon utilization technology, including algae, at utility locations around the world. The Holcomb 1 generation station, a 360 megawatt unit which burns low sulfur Power River Basin coal and supplies power to western Kansas, has been identified as an excellent test bed location to evaluate and refine these technologies. Holcomb 1 has already hosted an algae pilot project utilizing flue from the unit to successfully grow algae biomass.

The growing electric needs of Kansas, Colorado, and surrounding states have led to a $2.4 billion expansion project at the Holcomb site. When complete, the Holcomb 2 unit will supply an additional 895 megawatts of electricity. In conjunction with Holcomb 1, this new unit will provide a reliable source of CO₂, water, and thermal resources for new algae facilities.”

Holcomb 1 generating station is located in southwest Kansas on 10,000 acres (with access to 30,000 more adjacent acres). The facility has water, rail, natural gas, power, light resources, thermal resources, CO₂, and other infrastructure requirements needed for algae systems and integrated bioenergy facilities.

This centrally located region is also benefited by a supply chain that supports large, production agriculture and a mature oil/gas industry. Leveraging these resources will enable better market access to bioenergy, feed, fertilizer, and other co-products. As an example, the thriving commercial beef and growing dairy industries bring over 3 million cattle to within 60 miles of the Holcomb station.”