AkzoNobel is part of a Dutch consortium which has just received major funding to investigate the potential of converting algae into feedstock for the chemical industry.
Having partnered with energy company Essent, algae producers Ingrepo and Wageningen University, the consortium has now received more than €1 million of government funding after successfully applying for a long-term energy research subsidy.
The four-year study will involve scientists at Wageningen conducting fundamental research into algal biology, growth parameter testing, separation and the subsequent upgrading of algae fractions. In addition, a pilot project will begin at AkzoNobel's Delfzijl site in order to scale up the processes. Factors that influence the economics of algae-based chemical building blocks algae will also be investigated.
"With the Earth's natural resources running out it's becoming increasingly important to look for more sustainable alternatives," explains Hans Feenstra, who has been making preparations for the project since last year. "Algae offers the possibility for us to create value from renewable feedstock. It grows at a prodigious rate, can be used to rebate C02 emissions and has the potential to treat waste water streams. There are also no concerns regarding the food versus energy biomass debate."
He adds that the planned Delfzijl demonstration unit is expected to be up and running by September. Consisting of two, 1,000 square meter ponds linked to the site's cogeneration unit, it will be used to test conditions and methods for growing algae (there are more than 80,000 known types) on a larger scale in an industrial environment. "It will be a good opportunity for us to familiarize ourselves with bio-based processes," notes Feenstra.
The concept of creating value by obtaining certain fractions from renewable feedstock has been christened biorefinery. In the case of algae, it has been identified as having the potential to provide a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins and polysaccharides - all of which have important links to the chemical industry. Already creating enthusiasm because of what it can offer to the bio-fuel industry and power producers, algae could also have higher end value as a source of raw materials for coatings.
It's clear that the algae option is not currently able to compete with traditional processes on an economic basis. But the changes taking place in the chemical industry due to the demand on energy resources mean that the search for viable and sustainable alternatives is vital.
"We need to conduct detailed research and further develop the technology required to make best use of the possibilities which appear to exist in the field of biorefinery," continues Feenstra. "Several other AkzoNobel businesses have also expressed interest in our study, so it's clear that worthwhile opportunities do exist if the research we are conducting with our partners proves to be successful."
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