Growing Algae Pushes the Green Agenda

Arup and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) are moving ahead with their efforts to develop pioneering engineering systems to scale up a novel idea that could revolutionise carbon capture.

The organisations have developed a system of using algae, which draws on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by power stations and factories. It closes the carbon cycle, using wastes to produce environmentally friendly bio-based products, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and artificial chemicals in crop growth.

Rising emissions of CO2 are causing a major environmental problem. If successful, the new system, developed using the combined expertise of CPI and Arup, will allow the biomass from the algae to be recycled and used to produce a wide variety of products. These could provide an additional source of revenue to offset carbon capping investment, and they include: bioethanol – which can be used as a motor fuel; biopharmaceuticals; the biofuel methane rich biogas – reducing dependence on fossil fuels; and rich compost, a non-chemical soil conditioner for crop production.

The idea first originated during through Arup’s work on carbon capture and research into food technologies for the Dongtan eco-city project. It has been further developed with process and systems engineers from the CPI. Peter Head, Director and Global Head of Planning at Arup, said: “The use of algae in this way could have a vast impact on the environment. It not only has the potential to reduce the carbon dioxide that power plants emit by 70 to 80% - improving their carbon footprint. The algae could potentially provide an alternative source of fuel in itself, and through its by-products, a new revenue stream to support investment in carbon capture technologies.” The idea was unveiled at the ‘Breakthroughs for the 21st Century’ event hosted by the Sustainable Development Commission. The event was held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London attended by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.