Microalgae farming and Microalgae farming and beyond: Biologically beyond: Biologically
Assisted Carbon Capture Assisted Carbon Capture from Energy and Industrial from Energy and Industrial
Operations Operations
Ramon Sanchez.Ramon Sanchez.Harvard UniversityHarvard University
March 1, 2011March 1, 2011
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 2
IntroductionIntroduction
Renewable Energy:Renewable Energy: Energy Energy that comes from natural that comes from natural resources such as sunlight, resources such as sunlight, wind, biomass, tides and wind, biomass, tides and geothermal heat, which are geothermal heat, which are renewable (i.e. naturally renewable (i.e. naturally replenished)replenished)
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 3
Justification for Renewable Justification for Renewable EnergyEnergy
State of oil world reserves.
Tipping point:
-20 years (business as usual)
-27 years (moderate conservation)
-40 years (good conservation)
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 4
Energy SecurityEnergy Security is a very important issue due to is a very important issue due to changing external factors in the global economychanging external factors in the global economy
An oil importer could achieve energy An oil importer could achieve energy independence, energy security and comply with independence, energy security and comply with their goals to mitigate climate change by using their goals to mitigate climate change by using renewable energiesrenewable energies
Justification for Renewable Justification for Renewable EnergyEnergy
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 5
The The global warming effectglobal warming effect has been associated has been associated with an increase in the concentration of with an increase in the concentration of anthropomorphic (“man made”) Carbon Dioxide in anthropomorphic (“man made”) Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere. Approximately the atmosphere. Approximately 70 % of CO2 70 % of CO2 emissions are derived from combustion of fossil emissions are derived from combustion of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity generationfuels for transportation and electricity generation
Justification for Renewable Justification for Renewable EnergiesEnergies
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 6
Significant reduction of pollutant Significant reduction of pollutant emissionsemissions
This reduction produces positive This reduction produces positive human health benefits, reduces human health benefits, reduces damages to ecosystem diversity and damages to ecosystem diversity and delays depletion of natural resourcesdelays depletion of natural resources
Justification for Renewable Justification for Renewable EnergiesEnergies
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 7
Energy sector evolves very slowlyEnergy sector evolves very slowly Sector is reluctant to change, it promotes proven Sector is reluctant to change, it promotes proven
technologies instead of clean innovationstechnologies instead of clean innovations Energy in our society needs to be available Energy in our society needs to be available
everywhere at the same time, renewable energy everywhere at the same time, renewable energy projects are just scaling-up (no distribution projects are just scaling-up (no distribution systems)systems)
New technologies compete with current and New technologies compete with current and proven fossil fuel energy sourcesproven fossil fuel energy sources
Stock of existing fossil fuel assets still in use (it Stock of existing fossil fuel assets still in use (it takes a few decades to phase-out incumbents)takes a few decades to phase-out incumbents)
If renewable energies are If renewable energies are so good… Why aren’t we so good… Why aren’t we
using them more?using them more?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 8
Example: Effects of U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005Example: Effects of U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005Effects in the international prices of food
If renewable energies are If renewable energies are so good… Why aren’t we so good… Why aren’t we
using them more?using them more?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 9
Uncertainties about reduction of greenhouse gasesExample of Carbon Dioxide Debt of bio-fuels due to land use changes
Before bio-fuels’ subsidies: U.S. Soybeans were used to feed U.S. Cattle
After: Brazilian Soybeans are used to feed U.S. Cattle due to high prices of Corn for ethanol. Side-effects: Rainforest deforestation, carbon dioxide debt
USABrazil
Brazil
If renewable energies are If renewable energies are so good… Why aren’t we so good… Why aren’t we
using them more?using them more?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 10
COST!!! COST!!! COST!!!The hidden secret about energy is that it is highly correlated to social and economic well-being
For that reason policy makers, industry, commercial users and residential users (in other words EVERYONE) like cheap energy:
-Production cost of a gallon of regular diesel: $1.2 - $1.5/gallon
-Production cost for a liter of biodiesel: $1.74/gallon from palm oil, $2.28/gallon from soybeans, $3.1- 4.6/gallon from algae
-Production cost of fossil electricity: 4 to 8 cents/KWh
-Price of electricity with carbon capture: 10 to 17 cents/KWh
If renewable energies are If renewable energies are so good… Why aren’t we so good… Why aren’t we
using them more?using them more?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 11
If renewable energies are If renewable energies are so good… Why aren’t we so good… Why aren’t we
using them more?using them more?
Implementation of new energy Technologies
Adverse Health Effects
Measurement and characterization of adverse health effects
Environmental Pollution
Request for regulations
Legal litigations
Creation of regulatory limits for pollutants
Research and Development of new energy technologies
Product Development of new energy technologies
Changes in tooling and production methods
Cost increasesCost increases Low to moderate cost
The business-as-usual cycle of “command and control” regulations is very reactive
Operational Costs
Legal and “Lobbying” Costs
Business-as-usual cycle for energy regulation
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 12
Risk influence in cost of Risk influence in cost of moneymoney
Project 1: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant Estimated Cost: $1.5 Billion USD
Technology Risk: Very Low (Proven Technology)
Business Model Risk: Extremely Low
Market Risk: Very Low (everyone likes cheap elect)
Supply Risk: Very Low (coal mines, railroads, etc)
Policy Risks: Moderate (Legislators are scared of passing climate change regulations because the industry has successfully convinced people that such legislation is a “job killing” liberal policy, so it is not likely to pass in the near future)
Capital Risks: Very Low (infrastructure prices and potential revenues are very predictable)
Construction Risks: Low (contractors have been building these power plants for decades)
Operation Risks: Very Low
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 13
Risk influence in cost of Risk influence in cost of moneymoney
Project 2: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant with CCS Energy Intensive: You reduce electricity
output to the grid by 18 to 23 % (less product)
Capital Costs Increase by 60 %
Operation Costs Increase by 20 to 40 %
Average Costs of Electricity Increase 80 to 100 %
Long Term Health Effects of Chemicals used in Carbon Capture are unknown
Storage Potential is Uncertain, special geological formations are needed under power plant (not all existing power plants meet these conditions)
Underground Capture Period is Uncertain, constant monitoring and risk assessment is needed
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 14
Risk influence in cost of Risk influence in cost of moneymoney
Project 2: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant with CCS Estimated Cost: $1.8 to 2.5 Billion USD
Technology Risk: Moderate to high (do you achieve carbon sequestration underground?)
Business Model Risk: High (paid with carbon credits?)
Market Risk: High (expensive electricity)
Supply Risk: High (Who services carbon capture?)
Policy Risks: Moderate (What are the occupational hazards of this new technology?)
Capital Risks: High (costs for carbon sequestration underground is uncertain)
Construction Risks: Moderate (new facilities, similar to oil industry, but still different)
Operation Risks: High (nobody has operated a large scale carbon sequestration operation)
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 15
Risk influence in cost of Risk influence in cost of moneymoney
You are a private lender (i.e. “Banker”) and I come to you to get funding for two projects:
Project 1: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant (low risk, predictable revenues)
Project 2: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant with Carbon Capture and Storage (moderate to high risk and less revenues)
What interest rate would you give me for each loan?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 16
We analyze current technologies and try to find a solution, this is where Microalgae and other Micro-organisms could play a big role in large scale Carbon Capture Operations
Biological systems might reduce the cost of Carbon Capture while eliminating toxic emissions from thermoelectric power plants+ =
How do we close the gap?How do we close the gap?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 17
Photosynthetic Microalgae•Micro-organisms that float in water and perform photosynthesis •More efficient converters of solar energy (3 times more efficiency than land plants)
•Very simple cellular structure
•They don’t require:•Freshwater•Farmland
(so they don’t compete with food)
VS
What is microalgae?What is microalgae?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 18
Micro-algae Production ProcessMicro-algae Production Process
Microalgae Biodiesel Microalgae Biodiesel ProductionProduction
Species Selection
Algae culture
MixingInoculation +CO2 and nutrients
Oil Extraction
Transesterification
Glycerin recoverySoap and cosmetics
Bio-diesel fuel
Harvesting
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 19
Basic Biodiesel Production Process
Extract oils from biomass and use the following process:
(Sodium Hydroxide)
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 20
Production yields, environmental features and areas of opportunity
Production Yields: between 28,000 and 34,500 liters of biodiesel per hectare per year ( 2925 to 3600 gallons/acre.year)
Carbon intensity is 63 to 86 % lower than regular diesel
An hectare of microalgae averts 300 tons of CO2 from being emitted
Environmental impacts of algae biodiesel production are 76 % lower than petroleum diesel
Areas of opportunity: Cost reduction, you need $28,400 to build an acre of microalgae pond, your operating costs are $18,624 per acre per year. You use approximately 22700 pounds of urea (nitrogen fertilizer) per acre per year for your operation.
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 21
Enhanced Photosynthesis:Nitrogen Fixing Cyano-Bacteria
These organisms are extremely efficient in performing photosynthesis (as good or better than microalgae).
They are responsible for creating a rich-oxygen atmosphere in this planet a few billion years ago
They fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, so they are able to grow as long as there is a source of nutrients
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 22
Enhanced Photosynthesis:Nitrogen Fixing Cyano-Bacteria
They are also called “blue-green” algae, they are very effective in creating biomass.
Some Cyano-Bacteria species have been Genetically Modified to improve photosynthesis efficiency and “secrete” hydrocarbons, so there is no need to process biomass to extract oil.
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 23
Production yields, environmental features and areas of opportunity
Production Yields: between 33,000 and 65,000* liters of biodiesel per hectare per year ( 3450 to 6750 gallons/acre.year)
Carbon intensity is at least 75 % lower than regular diesel
An hectare of cyano-bacteria averts between 280 and 400 tons of CO2 from being emitted
Environmental impacts of cyano-bacteria biodiesel production are at least 65 % lower than petroleum diesel*, low fertilizer use
Areas of opportunity: Cost definition beyond demonstration, no cost available at large scale. Genetic modification might increase costs due to stringent environmental controls or might create high legislative risks, difficulties to separate fuel from water
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 24
Enhanced Photosynthesis:Nitrogen Fixing Cyano-Bacteria
Scenario: A superior strain of blue-green (i.e. genetically modified) algae escapes the cyano-bacteria farm
Optimistic outcome: It produces a mild “algae bloom” and then the ecosystem takes care of it (zooplankton and small fish have a feast)
Pessimistic outcome: It overwhelms all other algae species, uses atmospheric nitrogen to grow, creates uncontrollable eutrophication and secretes “fuel” in natural water bodies killing everything in it
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 25
Cost and Risk ManagementCost and Risk Management
Implementation of new energy Technologies
Adverse Health Effects
Measurement and characterization of adverse health effects
Environmental Pollution
Request for regulations
Legal litigations
Creation of regulatory limits for pollutants
Research and Development of new energy technologies
Product Development of new energy technologies
Changes in tooling and production methods
Simulated scenarios???
Cost increasesCost increases Low to moderate cost
How about being a little proactive using public health to reduce risks?
Operational Costs
Legal and “Lobbying” Costs
Proactive approach to change the cycle of energy regulation
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 26
Enhanced Photosynthesis:Nitrogen Fixing Cyano-Bacteria
After checking different scenarios and risks in your operation, you might actually approach an adequate solution which reduces potential financial burdens
Plasma Incinerator for biological waste
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 27
Controlling temperature in a PBR submerged in water increases production costs by only 25 % compared to open ponds, but production yields are increased by 100 % in microalgae, and environmental risks are drastically reduced for cyano-bacteria. The problem here is water evaporation in the desert (we can use saltwater aquifers, but they are not that common)
Another potential solution for Another potential solution for both microalgae and cyano-both microalgae and cyano-
bacteria: Photo Bio-Reactorsbacteria: Photo Bio-Reactors
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 28
We placed a PBR in a pond and cover it with water, we found a lot of the potential problems for the system after scaling it up in the desert. This new knowledge gave us an idea
Photo Bio-Reactor Photo Bio-Reactor OperationOperation
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 29
Use constant ocean temperature and decreasing light penetration in oceans to
control both factors in a PBR
You place a PBR in open ocean, water temperature is almost constant in the first 20 to 50 meters of depth (so temperature is controlled) and light decreases with depth, so you sink the array when solar irradiation is too high and bring it back to the surface when solar irradiation is low, this is a good way to maximize production yields)
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 30
Economic and social impacts of micro-algae farming
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 31
We are working right now in the Mexican North West were we can find deserts next to oceans (Sonora, Baja California, etc), so we can implement this technique without going off-shore and without using freshwater. This is the state of the art to scale up PBRs for photosynthetic species, it costs a little bit more than open ponds, but costs are going down with scale. Production yields are double of what we get in ponds
Current State of the Art in Current State of the Art in Photosynthetic SystemsPhotosynthetic Systems
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 32
Offshore array tested on Offshore array tested on dry land firstdry land first
However, we keep working on having a fully functional large scale operation in the ocean. Why?
-Less impacts to biodiversity if inter- oceanic nutrient poor waters are used for micro-algae farming (check the following slides):
-Red and orange colors are areas where water temperature allows production of algae species for fuel.
-Yellow and green areas show areas where water temperature allows production of algae species for Omega 3 fatty acids and food
Considering our current population growth, increasing demand for energy, decreasing fisheries and growing demand for protein to feed cattle due to the sharp increase in meat consumption in emerging economies, we might need to farm in the oceans by the end of the century, we have to be ready for that
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 33
Economic and social impacts of micro-algae farming
However: What do we do in cold areas with limited or low solar irradiation?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 34
How do we deal with algae farming in cold weathers?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 35
How do we deal with algae farming in cold weathers?
Use heterotrophic algae: These algae species don’t require light so they can grow indoors, they only need a stable source of organic carbon like agro-industrial waste, food waste and/or transformation of CO2 from a power plant into acetic acid to feed the algae.
Heterotrophic algae have higher yields than photosynthetic organisms!!!
Massachusetts Heterotrophic Algae Species (Indoors, Cold Water Algae). Heterotrophic Algae Species found 50 Nm East of Gloucester at a depth of 80 ft, it feeds on dissolved carbon from power plants
Source of CO2: Salem (Dominion) Power Plant, expected to close in 2015 due to environmental regulations for SO2 emissions.
Current: Produces 2.6 Billion KWh/year, 2,443,725 Tons of CO2/year, No toxic emissions control, it produces health damages for 692 Million dollars/year.
Annual Revenues: Between $104 and 234 Million Dollars/yr (no info on cost structure)
Future: Produces 5.17 Billion KWh/year, 488,745 Tons of CO2/year, 90 % toxic pollution reduction and 252 Million gallons of algae biodiesel, no problems to comply with environmental regulations, health damages are reduced by 90 %
Annual Revenues: Between $206 and $414 Million Dollars/yr for electricity, $67 Million dollars for biofuel sales (@ $1.2/gallon), $29 to $45 Million Dollars for Organic Fertilizer sales and $14.4 Million Dollars for Carbon Credits ($2/Ton CO2)
Business opportunities for those that know their (green)
tech
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 37
Risk Reduction in the cost Risk Reduction in the cost of Moneyof Money
Which project is more likely to get a loan?
Project 1: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant (BAU)
Project 2: Buy and retrofit an old 900 MW Coal-fired power plant with Carbon Capture and Biological Storage using heterotrophic algae.
You have to be extremely good in developing the technological part of your project to be able to show how green tech enables business opportunities, and we haven’t talk about health benefits yet…
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 38
Biodiesel pays for CCS Biodiesel pays for CCS Algae biodiesel increase capital costs, Algae biodiesel increase capital costs,
but makes CCS independent of site but makes CCS independent of site conditions (geology) and “pays” for conditions (geology) and “pays” for the Carbon Capture and Storage the Carbon Capture and Storage Operation, Electricity Costs go up Operation, Electricity Costs go up only by 23 - 30% and you produce fuel only by 23 - 30% and you produce fuel to clean this mess caused by mobile to clean this mess caused by mobile emissionsemissionsMexico City’s Metropolitan Area
Population: 20 Million and 4 Million Cars
(and they have to breath this air)
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 39
Benefit/Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit/Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction: diesel Introduction:
Emissions EstimationEmissions Estimation
Regular Diesel Emissions (g/Km)
Number of vehicles and proportions
Vehicle Kilometers Traveled
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 40
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction in diesel Introduction in
Mexico CityMexico City
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 41
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction in diesel Introduction in
Mexico CityMexico City
Benefits
Costs
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 42
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction in diesel Introduction in
Mexico CityMexico City
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 43
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction in diesel Introduction in
Mexico CityMexico City
However… Remember this?
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 44
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction in diesel Introduction in
Mexico CityMexico City
PollutantPollutant Dailiy Dailiy Emissions Emissions Difference Difference (Tons/day)(Tons/day)
Differences Differences in PM in PM ConcentratiConcentration (µg/mon (µg/m33))
Premature Premature deaths deaths prevented prevented (lives (lives saved/year)saved/year)
Economic Economic benefits of benefits of mortality mortality PreventionPrevention
PMPM2.52.5 -0.79-0.79 -7 E-04 -7 E-04 µg/mµg/m33
0.130.13 $0.14 $0.14 Million Million USD/yearUSD/year
Secondary Secondary PMPM2.52.5 from from SOSO22
-101.89-101.89 - 5.45 - 5.45 µg/mµg/m33
11201120 $1270 $1270 Million Million USD/yearUSD/year
Secondary Secondary PM2.5 PM2.5 from NOxfrom NOx
-17.05-17.05 -0.03 -0.03 µg/mµg/m33
6.166.16 $6.65 $6.65 Million Million USD/yearUSD/year
Effects of capturing CO2 from thermoelectric power plants near Mexico City to produce algae
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 45
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction in diesel Introduction in
Mexico CityMexico City
PollutantPollutant Dailiy Dailiy Emissions Emissions Difference Difference (Tons/day)(Tons/day)
Differences Differences in PM in PM ConcentratiConcentration (µg/mon (µg/m33))
Premature Premature deaths deaths prevented prevented (lives (lives saved/year)saved/year)
Economic Economic benefits of benefits of mortality mortality PreventionPrevention
PMPM2.52.5 -0.79-0.79 -7 E-04 µg/m-7 E-04 µg/m33 0.130.13 $0.14 Million $0.14 Million USD/yearUSD/year
Secondary Secondary PMPM2.52.5 from from SOSO22
-101.89-101.89 - 5.45 µg/m- 5.45 µg/m33 11201120 $1270 $1270 Million Million USD/yearUSD/year
Secondary Secondary PM2.5 from PM2.5 from NOxNOx
-17.05-17.05 -0.03 µg/m-0.03 µg/m33 6.166.16 $6.65 Million $6.65 Million USD/yearUSD/year
Effects of capturing CO2 from thermoelectric power plants near Mexico City to produce algae
1126 Lives Saved and $1.27 Billion Dollars of Additional Health Benefits per year due to Carbon Capture from power plants, for a total of $1.62 Billion Dollar per year if algae biodiesel is produced and used in Mexico City, enough to pay for Carbon Capture and Biofuel Production even without considering revenues from biodiesel sales!!!!
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 46
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-Benefit-Cost Analysis of Bio-diesel Introduction in diesel Introduction in
Mexico City Mexico City
Additional Benefits
-Reduction of 6 million tons CO2/year from power plant operations (Microalgae production only)
-Reduction of 920,000 tons of CO2/year from introducing B20 fuel blend (from Microalgae)
-Reduction of 2.4 million tons of CO2/year from introducing B100 in buses only (from Microalgae)
-You can trade all these emissions reductions!!!
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 47
What do we do as What do we do as environmental environmental professionals?professionals?
Option 1: Business-As-Usual Reactive Approach (The world without microalgae, cyanobacteria and other solutions) We wait until technology is used, we measure health effects, we propose command-and-control regulation to reduce pollution and spend the next 20 years trying to make it happen in Congress or in the courtrooms, or…
Option 2: Proactive Approach for Risk Reduction. We understand the role of risk in implementing clean energy, we estimate health effects of current technologies and create scenarios for potential health effects for future technologies to create solutions, then we collaborate with energy suppliers in implementing them in less than a decade…
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 48
ConclusionsConclusions
There are different options when implementing a There are different options when implementing a renewable energy production projectrenewable energy production project
Biological systems help to pay for Carbon Capture Biological systems help to pay for Carbon Capture from a power plantfrom a power plant
Health effects are a good way to establish objective Health effects are a good way to establish objective benefits of renewable energy projects in the short benefits of renewable energy projects in the short term to promote changeterm to promote change, but this tool should not be , but this tool should not be abused. It is better to state the problem and abused. It is better to state the problem and propose a solution that reduces project risks in propose a solution that reduces project risks in order to generate enough social, economic and order to generate enough social, economic and political will to implement sustainability projects.political will to implement sustainability projects.
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 49
Questions??Questions??
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 50
Additional MaterialAdditional Material
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 51
Types of Risk in Renewable Types of Risk in Renewable Energy ProjectsEnergy Projects
Technology Risk (Does it work? Is it reliable?)
Business Model Risks (How do I make money from it?)
Market Risks (Who is going to buy my product?)
Supply Risks (Where do I get input materials/services to operate?)
Policy Risks (Is the government going to change the rules for my operation?)
Capital Risks (Where do I get money to finance infrastructure for clean energy?)
Construction Risks (Is it going to be completed on-time and on-budget as planned?)
Operation Risks (Can I run the operation efficiently as planned?)
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 52
Risk Reduction in Risk Reduction in Renewable Energy ProjectsRenewable Energy Projects
These are real results when asking for a loan, both with an International Development Bank:
Project 1: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant (Interest Rate 5 %, Grace Period 12 years)
Project 2: 500 MW Coal-fired power plant with Carbon Capture and Storage using Microalgae to produce biodiesel, Protein Meal and Glycerin (Interest Rate 3.71 %, Grace Period 12 years)
So, the public health benefits are used to access cheap financing and enable introduction of clean technologies
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 53
Culture algae Inoculation of algae in ponds Continuous mixing of algae with CO2 and nutrients in a production pond
Micro-algae production ponds
Harvesting of algae using filtration systems
Basics of Micro-algae farming
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 54
Fats
Biodiesel
&
Hydrogen
Carbohydrates
Ethanol
&
Hydrogen
Proteins and anti-oxidants
Food Supplements and Medicines
Example of estimated production with Nannochloropsis Oculata
36% fat, 30 % Proteins, 14 % carbohydrates, 20 % fiber
34500 Liters Biodiesel/Ha-year, 10000 Liters of Ethanol/Ha-year, 25000 Liters Hydrogen/Ha-year
Microalgae
Potential Yields
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 55
- Close-Loop Photo bioreactor (PBR) is more efficient because there is less parasitic contamination, besides nutrients and carbon dioxide are easier to control, so you roughly duplicate production yields (approximately 18,000 gallons of algae biodiesel per hectare per year)
The main problem is controlling light and temperature
PBRs heat up in sunny days and algae gets overexposed to sunlight so production yields go down if this is not controlled. Production costs increase to compensate for that, so it is very expensive to have large scale operations using PBRs
Photo Bio-reactor Photo Bio-reactor Microalgae FarmingMicroalgae Farming
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 56
Economic and social impacts of micro-algae farming
Ramon SanchezHarvard University
Slide # 57
Economic and social impacts of micro-algae farming