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Microalgae CO2

By Pilar Portero

Algae that transform carbon dioxide emissions into oxygen through photosynthesis. Imagine the possibility of combustion gas-fired power plants emit a legion of hungry microorganisms, which can then be used as biofuels. Sounds like science fiction but there is already a pilot plant in Almeria. And tu2is been there.

The catedrárico Emilio Molina with buckets on microalgae grown

There are over 100,000 species of algae, of which only have been studied 50, with an enormous capacity to create oxygen. It was logical that an electric-power companies are responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions, one of the first companies to embark on this ambitious project. Endesa, together with the University of Almería , Leia AITEMIN and endeavored in 2006 to pilot the cultivation of microalgae in the coal power plant in Carboneras, on the edge of the sea. The idea is that microalgae capture the CO2 from flue gas through photosynthesis and convert inorganic carbon into organic . A biomass resulting from the process could be harnessed using it in the production of biofuels such as diesel, chemicals and fertilizers. Does not sound bad.

Initial tests were carried out with fresh water to verify the ideal conditions for survival and optimize the uptake of carbon dioxide. Last year was replaced by salt water fresh water, a step towards a return on investment. "Right now the production of a kilo of seaweed costs 5 euros and a profit would be achieved at 0.50 cents" says Emilio Molina, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Almería involved in the project. In the 1,000 square meters occupied by the plant, some reactors have been installed facing south to take advantage of the intense sun of Almeria and keep algae at the required temperature to multiply. "The acreage to qualify for benefits should be much greater. When moving from the experimental stage to actual production, the Southern Cone, for example, offers the appropriate conditions for -scale implementation," said Juan Carlos Ballesteros, deputy director of R & D Generation Endesa.

The 'command Alga' in the central part of which CO2 Carboneras eat up algae

The process is curious and hopeful. Carbon dioxide emitted during power generation is transferred to plant cells of algae attached to the power plant. In these reactors, water enters the sea using the same socket that is used to cool the plant. Devour microalgae CO2 they need for photosynthesis, growing and multiplying. Residents were then collected and centrifuged the aqueous solution in which they have grown to separate the biomass of sea water. Is to achieve the challenge of developing the biorefinery concept. For what it already is expanding the plant in which test new technologies to minimize energy consumption and optimize the use organic matter. In 2015 is expected to end the experiment. "Initial estimates indicate that it could produce between 150 and 300 kg of oil biodiesel per hectare and day" , according to Endesa. It only remains that the results are positive and culture spread.