A commercial algae farming for CO2 recovery

Advanced Algal Technologies (Sydney, Australia; www.advancedalgal.com) has signed a $100-million deal with Fuzhou Xiangli Enterprise Management Consulting (Fuzhou, China) — an LED-lighting manufacturer  for a license to build 500 algal-farming conveyor modular units per year. Traditionally, algae have been grown either in open ponds, or in bioreactors.

In the patented system, developed by Advanced  Algal Technologies, the algae are grown on a fabric inside an insulated building, within a precisely controlled environment. The company said the system allows maximum algae yield. Artificial photosynthesis  Scientists at Panasonic Corp. (Osaka, Japan; www.panasonic.com) have developed an arti¬ cial photosynthesis system that utilizes sunlight to convert CO2 to organic materials (mainly formic acid) at what is said to be the highest efficiency yet achieved (0.2%). Cheaper chemicals from algae, farms & forest may be possible to a Lux Research (Boston, Mass.; www.luxresearchinc.com) report.

Currently, the high cost of capital and operations limit bio-based materials and chemicals to a few facilities. Bio-based materials and chemicals manufacturers need syngas [synthesis gas] and sugar to fuel their growth. Lux Research analysts studied cost drivers in gasification, enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose and algae cultivation to find opportunities where new technologies can turn them to profit.
Algae remains a costintensive loser. In Lux Research’s model, algae cultivation yields a 48% loss, calling into question its long-term prospects. The problem lies in the high capital costs for growing algae at industrial scale. Syngas fermentation has great new product potential.