Microalgae photobioreactors for bioenergy production
In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, bioenergy derived from microalgae offers a promising avenue. Traditional energy sources present environmental challenges, prompting the need for alternative methods of energy production. Here, advanced cultivation and harvesting techniques are vital.
Enhance bioenergy research and production
The microalgae pilot facilities by EnAlgae are instrumental in advancing the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of microalgal biomass for bioenergy. Swansea University features several photobioreactors and a new reactor located in a greenhouse, enabling comprehensive research on microalgal growth and harvesting. Hochschule Für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes integrates recirculation aquaculture systems with photobioreactors to maintain nutrient-rich seawater for algae co-production. Ghent University’s mobile installation operates heated open ponds with MaB-flocs and flue gas injection to treat wastewater and evaluate biogas potential. Wageningen UR / ACRRES uses open pond systems connected to anaerobic digesters for extensive research on algae growth under diverse conditions. Plymouth Marine Laboratory employs a large-scale photobioreactor directly coupled to a gas turbine emission stack to study microalgae maintenance. The InCrops Enterprise Hub focuses on using water purification by-products to cultivate algae, with findings shared to understand the financial and environmental impacts in North West Europe.
Benefits
- Provides critical data on algae growth under varied conditions
- Facilitates bioenergy production through advanced techniques
- Supports co-production with recirculation aquaculture systems
- Enables wastewater treatment with MaB-flocs technology
- Integrates industrial waste into bioenergy research