Seasoned Oil Executive to Lead Company’s Growing Operations

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 1, 2010 – Sapphire Energy, one of the world’s leading innovators in creating algae-based fuel from Green Crude, today welcomes Dean Venardos into the newly created role of Vice President, Operations, for the fast-growing company.

With more than 30 years in the oil industry, Venardos brings a wealth of experience in refinery operations and processes and will use his rich knowledge base to ensure Sapphire’s facility operations are managed perfectly as the company continues on its growth trajectory.

“Dean’s experience fills a critical role for Sapphire as we move into commercialization of our Green Crude production” says CJ Warner, president, Sapphire Energy. “He’ll oversee operations for all of Sapphire Energy’s facilities including the Integrated Algal BioRefinery (IABR) in Columbus, New Mexico and the Las Cruces, New Mexico research and development facility. We are thrilled to have Dean’s leadership.”

A respected industry executive, Venardos holds five processing patents and has published in numerous journals during his extensive career with Western Refining, BP, and Amoco Oil. He holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from University of Connecticut.

Original Press Release here.

Major Step toward True Green Fuel with Key Support from California and New Mexico Representatives

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 29, 2010 – Sapphire Energy, one of the world’s leading innovators in creating algae-based fuel from Green Crude, today applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act. Special recognition goes to Reps. Harry Teague (D-NM) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) whose bi-partisan support lead to the bill’s passage.

Congress took the extraordinary action this week to give algae-based fuel technology federal incentives similar to those for other biofuels, leveling the playing field for this promising technology. This move will serve to hasten the pace of development of these fuels, addressing our nation’s energy independence goals sooner.

”The many tireless months of effort made by Reps. Teague and Bilbray show their belief that algae-based fuels, like our Green Crude, have a crucial role in solving the nation’s and the world’s crippling energy challenge,” says Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy. “These policies are essential to truly grow green fuel at scale; we need the same tax structure that oil and gas get today. Passage of this bill is the first step in that direction.”

Pyle adds that the primary benefits resulting from the Act’s passage are a huge boost in the number of clean tech jobs that will be created in the burgeoning algae industries of California and New Mexico, as well as increased domestic and global energy security, and true environmental sustainability.

Original source found here.