Algae presented to HRH

Algae could apparently be a solution to the world’s carbon dioxide problems, Teesside experts have told the Prince of Wales.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Wilton, Teesside, and engineering firm Arup unveiled a system of using algae to “absorb” carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted by power stations and factories, and turn it into compost for growing food or even biofuels.

The system, which is still at the laboratory stage, was chosen as one of a group of ideas to be put before Prince Charles at the Breakthroughs for the 21st Century event hosted by the Sustainable Development Commission, in London.

Scientists claim the system has the potential to reduce the carbon dioxide that power plants emit by 70 to 80 per cent.

They are now looking to take it from the laboratory to early development.

Dr Graham Hillier, low carbon energy director at CPI, said: “We are planning a rapid research and development programme to move the concept from small-scale testing to larger scale demonstration.

“We are also looking at ways of integrating the processes into existing power supply and waste management systems.

“The roll-out will be a great challenge for the process development and construction industries. Government and business, working together, must show leadership, ownership and commitment to attract investment and build technological capability.”

Peter Head, director and global head of planning at Arup, said: “The use of algae in this way could have a vast impact on the environment.

“The algae could potentially provide an alternative source of fuel in itself, and through its by-products, a new revenue stream to support investment in carbon capture technologies.”

The idea first originated through Arup’s work on carbon capture and has been further developed by process and systems engineers from the CPI.