The project CO2Algaefix, an initiative supported by the Directorate General Environment of the European Union through the LIFE + program and led by AlgaEnergy, has this week started with the construction of what will be the first worldwide microalgae plant devoted to capture and biofixation of carbon dioxide in the pre-industrial scale. This facility will be located next to the combined cycle owned by Iberdrola in Arcos de la Frontera (Cádiz), and intends to produce biomass by cultivating microalgae that, as a nutrient, will use the flue gas emitted from the power plant, thus allowing to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Microalgae biomass obtained will be used in sectors such as aquaculture, cosmetics, energy or nutrition.
The new plant CO2Algaefix, which has a budget of 3 million euros, will begin its biomass production activity in the first quarter of 2013, and will create a total of 20 local jobs both in civil engineering tasks and the plant’s operation. In fact, in this first phase of works, the CO2Algaefix consortium has favoured the productive fabric of the Arcos community by awarding the works to the local company Oexman.
Operation and technology
The CO2Algaefix plant is a project that combines sustainability and innovation in order to reduce pollutant emissions, producing 100 tons of algae biomass per year, thanks to an innovative culture system using a flat vertical type of reactor, known as cage-bag, which allows to maintain optimal conditions for the growth of microalgae and to use the combustion gas from the neighbouring power plant as carbon input. This will prevent the annual emission of 200 tons of CO2, equivalent to what would be absorbed by 34,000 trees.
The project will put in place three types of cultivation technology in an area of 10,000 m2 and aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility of microalgal biomass production
using this innovative technology that has already been tested by Algaenergy at its PTEM pilot plant in Madrid. The demonstration in Arcos de la Frontera plant that such production is viable for industrial use can be a significant step for the biomass sector in Spain, especially Andalusia, where climatic conditions are optimal for cultivation of microalgae using this technique (high levels of solar radiation throughout the year and stable temperatures).
Participating companies
The initiative CO2Algaefix, led by the company AlgaEnergy, is backed by of a consortium that also includes: the multinational company Iberdrola, that will provide the land for the plant and implement the combustion gases’ extraction and manipulation systems; Exeleria, the company responsible for the phase of algal biomass harvest and concentration also in charge of the project’s technical secretariat; the Andalusian Energy Agency, which provides the bioenergetics vision and coordinates communication, promotion and outreach activities; the Universities of Seville and Almeria, involved in the facilities design and bringing their extensive experience for optimum microalgae crop productivity; and Madrid Biocluster association that brings expertise in biotechnology projects and is responsible for the international dissemination of the project.
