status of co2 capture using algae

Objective

To analyze algae-based CO2 capture technology, its status, viability and

future.

List of Contents

IntroductionAdvantages of Algae-based Carbon Capture Key Players in Algae-based Carbon Capture

TechnologyCurrent Status of Key PlayersSuccess Points of Pilot ProjectsChallenges and EffortsConclusion

Introduction

Why CO2 Capture?

Why Algae for CO2 Capture?

Algae -based CO2 Capture Technology

Flue gas

NutrientsSunlight

Advantages of Algae-based Carbon Capture

– Safe and sustainable – An onsite solution– Additional revenues

– Highest rates of CO2 uptake

Algae-based Carbon Capture vs Geological Sequestration

Algae-based Technology

Geological Sequestration Technology

Sustainable Social problems arises

Safe Untested on large scale

No need to transport CO2

Need to transport CO2 to sequestration site

Generates biomass No additional revenue

Coupled with wastewater treatment

Coupled with oil recovery

$ = carbon credit + nutrient credit + biomass

$ = carbon credit

Algae-based Carbon Capture

Not a theory anymore !

The Key Players

Current Status of Key Players

Companies Project phaseRWE energy Pilot Stage

Portland General Electric

Pilot Stage

MBD Energy Pilot Stage

Seambiotic Pilot Stage

Linc Energy Research stage

Trident Exploration Research stage

NRG Energy Research stage

EniTecnologies Research stage

Glenturret Whisky distillery

Research stage

Who Uses What?

Open pond Closed pondPhotobioreact

or

4 ResearchNot yet tried2 Research

1 Pilot 3 Pilot

• RWE energy • Portland General

Electric• MBD Energy

• Seambiotic

3 pilot phase project uses photobioreactor1 uses open pond

CO2 Capture Potential

tonnes/acre/year

Seambiotic uses open ponds and captures 80 tonnes of CO2 per acre/year

RWE energy uses photobioreactor and captures 87 tonnes of CO2 per acre/ year

Biomass is a Bonus!

Key Players End Use of Algae

Seambiotic Food additives, Fish feed and biofuels

MBD Algae oil

Linc Energy Biodiesel, Fertilizers and power.

Trident Exploration Electricity

RWE energy Biogas plant

Glenturret Whisky distillery Animal feed for cattle and Shellfish farms

Success Points of Pilot Projects

- 40-50% carbon dioxide capture- Companies capture both carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide- Algae are successfully cultivated in sub freezing temperatures by using the waste heat generated from coal plants.- Additional revenues.

Grants & Investments- More than $ 200 million grants

Department of EnergyThe Welsh Assembly Government

- More than $ 200 million investmentsRWE energy MBD Energy

– Bubbling of carbon dioxide• E.g. By altering pH

– Energy intensive algae harvesting and drying• E.g. Gravity settling

– Low cost algae cultivation• E.g. Wastewater cultivation

Challenges addressed

Suitable algal strain selection

Land availability near power plant

Retrofitting algae systems in existing power plants

Economic viability

Industrial perception

Challenges yet to be addressed

Conclusion

Algae-based carbon capture technology is in its initial stages of research.

Preliminary results suggest that there is a significant amount of investments and industrial participation.

Hence, it is not a theory anymore and could have a good GHG abatement potential in future.

Questions?

Thank you