Solazyme Delivers 100% Algal-Derived Renewable Jet Fuel to U.S. Navy

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Solazyme, Inc. is helping the U.S. military move  closer to powering its planes, ships, tanks and trucks on renewable fuel and has delivered of 1,500 gallons of 100% algae-based jet fuel for the U.S. Navy's testing and certification program. The U.S. Navy has previously announced the objective to operate at least 50% of its fleet on clean, renewable fuel by 2020, and the delivery fulfills a contract awarded to Solazyme by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in September 2009.

Solazyme, a renewable oil and green bioproducts company and leader in algal biotechnology, manufactured the world's first 100% algal-based jet fuel through its proprietary fermentation process in collaboration with renewable jet fuel processing technology from Honeywell's UOP.  Solazyme's renewable Solajet™HRJ-5 is designed to meet all of the requirements for Naval renewable aviation fuel. In preliminary tests, it also meets the fuel requirements of the U.S. Air Force and meets the standards for commercial jet fuel.

"It has been an honor to work with both the Navy and DESC/DLA to provide the first microbial derived advanced biojet fuel that will aid the military's transition away from fossil fuel and toward more secure, renewable and reliable sources," said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme. "The military has recognized the national security imperative of creating alternative energy solutions, and this project reflects their leadership and vision in supporting new ways to power our Department of Defense."

Solazyme's algal fuel technology will help the DoD reduce its carbon footprint, minimize reliance on foreign oil, combat global climate change and pioneer the development of clean and renewable energy sources for national energy security.    

Verified through external lifecycle analyses, Solazyme's fuels provide an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.  Prior to delivery to the Navy, the fuel was tested by an independent testing laboratory, and met all of the Navy's 19 rigorous requirements for renewable hydrotreated jet fuel.  In addition, the fuel meets the proposed ASTM D 7566 specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels containing synthesized hydrocarbons, which is a critical milestone for providing fuels not only for the military, but also for the civilian market.

About Solazyme:

Solazyme, Inc. is a renewable oil and bioproducts company and the leader in algal biotechnology. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in South San Francisco, Solazyme's unique technology enables the production of oil and biomaterials in standard fermentation facilities quickly, efficiently and at large scale. These oils and biomaterials are tailored to be drop-in replacements for fossil fuel and plant oils, which are feedstocks for a diverse range of products ranging from fuels and chemicals to personal care products.  Solazyme's products offer compelling solutions to the increasingly complex challenges of fuel scarcity, energy security and environmental impact.  These products fit seamlessly into the pre-existing multi-trillion dollar fuel infrastructure. Solazyme's investors among others include Braemar Energy Ventures, Harris & Harris Group, Lightspeed VenturePartners, The Roda Group, and VantagePoint Venture Partners. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.solazyme.com.

SOURCE Solazyme, Inc.