NASA boss investigated for possible conflict of interest on biofuel project

Orlando Slantinel ^ | June 20, 2010 | Robert Block and Mark K. Matthews

[spacejunkie01]

While millions of barrels of spilled oil choke the Gulf of Mexico, NASA is working on an ocean-based biofuels venture that could revolutionize clean-energy production at sea and treat wastewater at the same time.

The scientist running the $10 million experiment, called Project OMEGA, uses words such as groundbreaking and exciting to describe his baby. But there's a hitch.

NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden doesn't believe in OMEGA — and has sought to slow it down.

The reason: He was advised against it by Marathon Oil — the Texas-based company on whose board Bolden sat until he was named NASA administrator last year. The former astronaut and Marine Corps general also still holds as much as $1 million worth of Marathon stock.

[bray]

Course the scientist getting Million$ in grants is above suspect. Perhaps it is more junk science?

Pray for The Gulf

[crescen7]

It MIGHT not be junk science. Synthesizing the production of petroleum like substances using micro-organisms has shown some progress. I think NASA generally refers to this as the “OMEGA Project” rather than “Project OMEGA” as the article states.

I try to keep tabs on these “alternate” energy sources - so far one of the most promising potential technologies is a 100% private venture that has bio-engineered organisms to excrete oil. They’re currently working on a small scale production facility - the goal is to be able to produce at a breakeven cost equivalent of $60 a barrel.

http://venturebeat.com/2010/02/03/biofuel-leader-ls9-buys-demo-plant-to-churn-out-renewable-diesel-2/

Its far from a done deal - but very interesting stuff. Sure beats the idiotic windmill and solar panel ideas.

[bray]

That is the process Czar Chou is working on. If it works great but I have a serioius doubt when we hear about the next great fuel.

Pray for America