Efficient Capture of CO2 from Fossil Fuel Power Plants using Algae and Conversion to Value Added Products

There is an urgent need to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fueled industries, particularly coal burning power plants. Current CO2 capture technologies are too expensive and not economically viable. A new technology that can capture ~90% of the CO2 and significantly reduce the cost of capture is required to enable CO2 capture to become a reality. Statement of How this Problem is Being Addressed: This project is aimed at the development of an advanced algae technology coupled with Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) to enable 90% of the CO2 from coal based power plants to be captured and converted to liquid bio-fuels. Generation of high value co-products creates added value. This enables a net >50% reduction in the cost of CO2 capture. What is to be done in Phase1: In Phase1, the technical feasibility of operating the algae process in the presence of coal derived flue gas contaminants, ability to achieve a high capture efficiency and conversion of algae to liquid bio-fuel via HTL will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Commercial applications of the new technology include CO2 capture from coal based power plants and other fossil fueled industries, production of liquid bio-fuels and production of nutraceuticals. This will greatly reduce CO2 emissions and consumption of petroleum. About 99% of the water used in algae farming is recycled thus greatly reducing fresh water consumption. By enabling the large new applications mentioned above, it can create new industries and jobs. Key Words: Microalgae, CO2 capture, hydrothermal liquefaction, low cost, bio-fuel production, water recycle Summary for Members of Congress: This project will develop a novel technology which will enable ~90% of the carbon dioxide from coal burning power plants to be captured and converted to liquid bio-fuels at much lower costs than possible today. This will benefit the nation by reducing greenhouse gas emission and reducing the import of petroleum. It will create jobs resistant to export.