Marine Algae as Biomass for Biofuel - Ireland 14
The main aim of this project is to investigate the feasibility of using algae (micro and/or macro) as a feedstockfor producing bio-fuels in Ireland and Turkey.
As terrestrial contributions are greatly limited by the finite area of land available under any
culture method, it is essential that the potential of the marine environment as a source of biomass for bio-fuel production is realised.
The Mabfuel project will review the global state-of-the-art in the extraction of biofuel products from algae with a
focus on species, methodologies, yield and culture methods for algal feedstocks. Practical research and
technology transfer will focus on developing optimal methods to extract oil from algal biomass and on intensive
large-scale culture methods for micro-algal species in indoor and outdoor facilities.
The project will also assess
environmental, social and economic risks and benefits of the bio -fuel products developed.
This will include an economic model for viable, industrial-scale production and identification of knowledge gaps and commercialisation pathways.
Wed August 04 2010 08:44:33 PM by Veronica
Ireland | macro algae | biofuel | biomass
940 views
Wonder how much of sunshine is there in Ireland?
Shankar;
Most of the year it is cloudy and rains a lot. I think there are two or three months in the fall that have more sunshine.
Veronica;
Considering your weather how about an inclosed PBR system. If one is to scale, it is the only way that makes sense. We are talking about 1,000,000 gallon tanks of concrete with a life of 50 years and a per gallon cost for material and construction of about $.75 per gallon capicity.
What do you think?
Alan
Ireland - my native land - is short on sunshine most of the year - winter can consist of six months of unbroken overcast with 6-hour days due to its high northern latitude. Perhaps in the future - once algal farming for fuel is mature - we could look at low-sunlight strains of algae for places like Ireland. for now, Ireland's best option is to develop venturi-accelerated underwater turbines to turn generators and harvest the vast resource of powerful Atlantic ocean currents to its north, west and south.
Hi Oilgae appreciated members,
Very nice news.
From the post and the attached pdf file it seems that it is a cooperation between Ireland and Turkey. The weather is more better for algal growth in Turkey. So may be this is the idea for the cooperation.
Best Wishes,
Abomohra
Alan
You can elaborate on your pbr.
Also I dont think it is veronica who is setting up the plant.
May be you could write about your pbr to the Mabfuel projects.
Its great to be venturing into growing algae in Ireland.