You wouldn’t think an electrical engineer with an MBA in accounting, financing and management would be obsessed with algae, photosynthetic organisms, such as seaweed and kelp. But Edward Shonsey is proud to be part of a project providing solutions for renewable energy using exactly that blue-green slime we see in water.

As the new CEO of HR BioPetroleum, Shonsey is leading a team of scientists growing algae using CO2, sunlight, water and temperature to create biofuel. In a joint venture with Alexander & Baldwin, Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric, the company is developing a commercial-scale microalgae facility on Maui to produce lipid oil for conversion to biodiesel and other valuable products, such as animal feed.

Shonsey’s diverse career includes tenures at Western Electric, Proctor & Gamble, where he helped start up a small paper company called Charmin Paper Company that transitioned into the largest division of Proctor and Gamble, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, one of the leading agricultural seed companies in the world.

The ideal of standing up for something you believe in was passed down from his mother and father, both teachers, and that is what has drawn Shonsey to environmental advocacy and the search for energy solutions. “I think John F. Kennedy once said ‘I am an idealist without illusions’, so I tend to believe that we can all strive for something better and to provide a solution, but at the same time we can do it in a very practical engineer-like way,” says Shonsey.

Pacific News Bytes asked Shonsey to share his thoughts on renewable energy and its role in Hawaii’s environmental protection…

How did you get started in the biofuel business?

My involvement and passion to develop third generation biofuels is a result of 20 years of experience in the commercialization of agricultural products & specialty enzymes, due diligence to find a team and technology which will make the dream of a sustainable alternative fuel into reality and a bit of serendipity. Each of us in our own small way can help change the world we live in and this is my niche. The serendipity part of the formula resulted from the two scientific founders of HR Biopetroleum asking me in early 2008 to accept the CEO role and bring their vision to the marketplace. I had been developing solutions for cellulosic ethanol, so I was aware of the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects on the road to success. HRBP possessed the proven and environmentally safe technology to accelerate development. They also were in the final stages of aligning strong strategic partners including Shell Oil, University of Hawaii, and CEROS of Hawaii, so my engineering curiosity said “Go for it!”

What are some of the latest developments at HR BioPetroleum?