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Carbon Dioxide Mitigation from Greenhouse Gases in Algal Photosynthetic Systems (ALGAE-GHG)
Date du début: 1 sept. 2011, Date de fin: 31 août 2014 PROJET  TERMINÉ 

Background Fossil fuel power plants are responsible for some 24% of total EU-27 CO2 emissions and 48% of Romanian emissions. The plants producing electricity in a combined schedule are included on the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), which is the largest multinational, emissions trading scheme in the world and a major pillar of EU climate change policy. Reduction of emissions is technically feasible and can produce benefits that outweigh the costs involved. All options must be exploited from carbon capture and storage to carbon sequestration. Biological fixation of CO2, particularly through the use of technologically appropriate photosynthetic systems, is potentially one the most promising ways to reduce CO2 emissions from the energy sector, both in terms of cost and in terms of environmental impact. Research suggests the technique could be used for CO2 mitigation through the practical photosynthesis of micro algae, but this has not been tested by a demonstration project. Objectives The overall objective of the ALGAE-GHG project was to develop a demonstration integrated photosynthetic system based on the sequestration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in algal biomass used as raw materials for value-added bio-products. The project would increase in scale (1 200 litres) new technological solutions tested at laboratory and small pilot scale. Specific objectives included: Carbon dioxide mitigation from flue gas emissions of thermoelectric power plants using a new and clean technology for biological carbon sequestration in algal culture, which is 10-20 times more efficient than that used in other plants; Value added use of algal biomass in various applications, such as lipids as an alternative source for biofuels and horticulture oils, as well as proteins for feed additives and spent algal biomass as plant bio-stimulants, fertilisers and soil enhancers; Technical and economic analysis regarding the implementation of the technology on an industrial scale; A market study on the final manufactured bio-products resulting from the application of the technology proposed by the project; and Technological solutions for the value-added use of products such as algal oil and spent biomass. Expected results: CO2 content reduction in flue gases released into the atmosphere by microalgae, which offers the potential to convert from power plant CO2 to biomass: for every 2 kg of CO2 consumed, 1 kg of biomass is produced; Improvement of the oxygen content in the atmosphere, as oxygen is a natural product of photosynthesis: for every kg of CO2 consumed, 0.73 kg of O2 is released; Production of algal biomass that can be divided into products for use in various applications: lipids as an alternative source for biofuels and horticulture oils; proteins, for feed and food additives; and spent algal biomass as plant bio-stimulants, fertilisers and soil enhancers; Efficient use of the biomass for agricultural surfaces: 50 times more algae can be produced per hectare per year than terrestrial biomass: 150 tonnes/ha/yr compared with 3 tonnes/ha/yr; and The creation of new jobs by developing the technology of CO2capture and sequestration on an industrial scale, and by marketing bioproducts obtained from algal biomass.Results The project did not achieve its objectives and was terminated at an earlier stage, on 15.07.14.

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