Energy from microalgae
2nd Quarter 2015
Other technologies
NMMU’s Institute of Chemical Technology, InnoVenton, has developed innovative algae technology that could turn millions of tons of waste coal dust into high quality clean coal. This project has huge potential for the production of export quality coal as well as biofuel products.
“If you mix coal dust and algae biomass, the algae collects onto the surface of the coal and binds the dust together,” said InnoVenton’s Professor Ben Zeelie. The result is a coal-algae composite which we call Coalgae. This may be used as a substitute for coal in various processes, or may be further processed to a biofossil crude oil blend or synthetic gas. These could be converted into a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel and heavy fuel oil.
Carbon sequestration, the upgrading of low quality coal and the production of clean water are among the spin-off advantages of the production of Coalgae.
Consulting engineering firm, Hatch-Goba recently completed a basic engineering study on the technology at a 1 hectare scale. This will allow demonstration of the technology to interested investors. This includes the cultivation of microalgae in the photo-bioreactor system developed by NMMU, the use of coal-generated flue gas to meet the microalgae’s need for carbon dioxide, the harvesting of the microalgae and the production of the coal-microalgae composites.
In February 2015, the technology won the award for the ‘innovation most likely to impact public procurement’ at the Innovation Bridge Technology Match-making event held in Pretoria. There are five separate patent applications associated with the technology and commercialisation discussions are underway with various partners.
For more information contact Wilma Maritz, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, +27 (0)41 504 4309, [email protected], www.techtransfer.nmmu.ac.za
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