Capturing atmospheric CO2 to feed microalgae
See the title in English
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main nutrient needed by microalgae to grow into a protein-rich biomass. CO2 can be obtained from the air around us, but only at very low concentrations (0.04%). During large scale production, microalgae need to be supplied with sufficient CO2, and preferably at higher concentrations, since they grow much faster when CO2 is more concentrated in the air.
To face this challenge, ProFuture’s researchers at the University of Twente are now developing a unique process to concentrate CO2 from ambient air in an efficient and sustainable way.
In this process, a large amount of air is blown through a system containing particles able to capture CO2 temporarily - also known as sorbent particle. After the capture, the system is heated at low pressure, causing the CO2 to be released from the particles. This causes our system to vent out highly concentrated CO2, which can be given directly to the algae.
The ProFuture Direct Air Capture facility uses an efficient low pressure drop concept, meaning it consumes less energy than other similar technologies. The process also recycles the sorbent particles to maximize efficiency.
In order to make this process CO2 net negative – meaning that the process removes as much carbon as it emits - the energy consumption and the CO2 footprint (CO2 emission) must also be considered. ProFuture’s calculations showed that when ProFuture Direct Air Capture Facility uses renewable energy from the sun or wind, the CO2 emission is 0.1 kg CO2 per kg of CO2 captured from the air, thus resulting in a net removal of 0.9 kg CO2 per kg of CO2 captured.
ProFuture will now test the cultivation of microalgae using CO2 from Direct Air Capture under the real-life conditions of a microalgae production facility. This system aims to be operational in the course of 2021.
See summary in English
ProFuture
Ongoing | 2019-2023
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Spain