Factsheet - Algal carbon conversion technology: waste to value

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Transforming C0₂ emissions into oil and other products

Algal carbon conversion is being developed into a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solution to transform industrial C0₂ emissions into valuable products. The technology recycles C0₂ at the source by incorporating it into algal biomass through photo-synthethis. The algal biomass is then processed into oil and other products customized to local needs. In addition to mitigating C0₂ emissions, algal carbon conversion technology also presents an opportunity to remediate wastewater and waste heat. As well, large-scale cultivation of algae in enclosed photobioreactors does not require arable land and does not displace agricultural activities or sensitive ecosystems.

Algal carbon conversion pilot project

The primary objective of the Algal Carbon Conversion Program (ACC) is for NRC and its partners to establish a pilot-scale algal biorefinery at an industrial site. The demonstration facility will be integrated into the industry’s operations with direct access to industrial flue gas emissions, wastewater and waste heat. The biorefinery will test and evaluate the scalability and cost effectiveness of current algal cultivation technologies for potential commercial deployment.

Supporting R&D Initiatives

Four additional R&D streams have been designed to support the pilot project and future commercial deployment of the technology. Each stream is designed to address an economic or a technical challenge related to commercial deployment of the technology.

• Algae: Identification of most appropriate algae strains for industrial deployment
• PBR & Light: Greater productivity and reduced costs for photobioreactors
• Harvesting and Dewatering: Reduced energy costs for processing algal biomass
• Additional Value Streams: High-value, sustainable products from algal biomass

Vision and goal

The ACC Program will position Canada’s industry as a world leader in converting carbon dioxide emissions into algal biomass and further into biofuels and other value-added products through integrated algal biorefi neries. The program will further enable Canada to address CO₂ emissions and simultaneously generate major economically and environmentally sustainable opportunities for Canadian companies.

Partners

The ACC Program involves Canadian stakeholders ranging from large final emitters (LFEs) to small companies providing dedicated solutions throughout the value chain. In addition, international relationships will be established where they can contribute to the Canadian ACC value proposition.

Contact

Aleks Patrzykat, Ph.D. Executive Director,
Algal Carbon Conversion Flagship Program
Telephone: 902-426-4080
Email: Aleks.Patrzykat@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca