South African Workshop Presentations
Two Visibility Workshops have been held on the 28 – 30 January 2010 and 2-4 March 2011 and a Partner & Training Workshop on the 15 – 22 March 2013.
2.2 Abstracts of South African Workshop (March 2011)
2.2.3 Algae-to-energy systems: The concept, plans, and demonstration of sustainable renewable energy production
Presenter:
Keith Cowan
Institute from Enviromental Biotechnology, Rhodes University (EBRU)
Increasing pressure is being exerted on communities and nations to source energy from forms other than fossil fuels. Also, potable water is becoming a scarce resource in many parts of the world. The most extensive user and manager of terrestrial ecosystems is agriculture which is also the de facto steward of natural resources. As stated by Miller (2008; Agronomy Journal 100) no other industry or institution comes close to the comparative advantage held for this vital responsibility while simultaneously providing food, fiber, and other biology-based products including energy. Modern commercial agriculture is transitioning from the production of bulk commodities to the provision of standardized products and specific-attribute raw materials for differentiated markets. Thus, we can argue that proce sses such as mass cultivation of microalgae for biofuel(s) be seen as part of a ‘new’ agronomy. Microalgae, with their higher growth rates and yields, are capable of producing more biomass than other energy crops and therefore provide a distinct opportunity for sustainable renewable energy supply. This paper examines the concept of algae-to-energy systems, provides an overview of the advantages and limitations within each technology segment, and provides information on the net energy yields obtainable. Commentary on the current status of the broader industry is followed by an account of plans and demonstrations by selected industry leaders. Outcomes from research carried out at EBRU are elaborated to describe the demonstration of sustainable renewable energy production. A fully operational solar-driven microalgae-to-energy system that not only transforms waste and biomass to energy but treats industrial and domestic waste water is discussed with particular focus on environmental quality and sustainability goals.
Challenges of establish Bio-refineries
- Which region best to locate algae-to-energy systems?
- Identify most appropriate and best suited high biomass and lipid yielding strains for cultivation at various locations
- Should cultivation be autotrophic or heterotrophic?
- What is the required land/water use intensity?
- What selective pressures required if monoculture?
- Which harvesting and extraction technologies for what strain?
- Which unit processes and sensitivity to variations in biomass yield/lipid content?
- State of current and future technology and potential barriers
- Can significant benefit be obtained from using flue gas CO2?
- Understand microalgae photosynthesis and productivity!
