Scale-up for Algae-based carbon capture and utilisation

This project aims to showcase the commercial viability of our novel algae-based carbon capture and utilisation technology (ACCU), to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial-led scale-up and implementation. Our technology utilises surplus renewable electricity to convert industrial CO2 emissions into valuable products, ranging from high-value food supplements to natural pigments or biofertilisers. Unlike conventional algae systems, our process employs an innovative two-stage approach for CO2 capture and algae cultivation, to balance out fluctuations in CO2 production and uptake (based on availability of light/electricity), as well as simplifying photobioreactor operation and facilitating CO2 transport to offsite locations. In addition to capturing carbon, our technology could be seamlessly integrated with other plant operations to fulfil secondary functions such as wastewater treatment and polishing, biogas upgrading into biomethane, or balancing out national grid fluctuations. Our technology could play a particularly important role for capturing and utilising emissions from small-to medium size emitters, which lack access to CO2 networks and are mostly excluded from national carbon capture strategies. These less energy intensive, dispersed sites account for 17.1 MtCO2e year-1, or 24% of total industrial emissions, requiring the urgent development of alternative carbon abatement solutions to meet the UKs Net Zero targets (2021 Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy). In addition, the algae product could be used to replace fossil carbon inputs to the agricultural, chemical or energy sectors, to enable a fair transition to Net Zero. Having already successfully demonstrated the operation of the technology under laboratory conditions, this proposed project seeks to test and evaluate the process under industrially relevant conditions. Working closely with our strategic project partners, representing CO2 emitters from different industries, we will identify and select potential target products which maximise value for their business, mimic site-specific conditions in our laboratories and explore opportunities for further integration with their existing processes. Findings will be summarised in the form of implementation case studies to illustrate the potential adaptation of ACCU within the context of the three industries represented by our partners. These case studies will be shared with funders, business users and policy makers to inform and educate on the potential benefits, gaps and barriers of implementing ACCU within different settings. Based on this work, we will select one of the partners for on-site trials using a bespoke prototype unit compatible with their existing operations. Leveraging digital twin technology, we will optimise system performance to maximise volumetric productivity and conversion of captured carbon into algae biomass and valuable products. At the same time, we will develop forward-looking tools that empower businesses to identify viable commercial pathways to accelerate the adoption of algae-based carbon capture and utilisation technologies. Ultimately, the project will deliver a clear and robust business case to support further industry-led implementation and scale-up via Innovate UK or equivalent funding channels.