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Algae production basically includes the sourcing of carbon dioxide, water, nutrients and light energy to the photosynthesis system for conversion to algae of a specific composition.
- Carbon Dioxide Source – There are a number of potential carbon dioxide stackgas sources with high CO2 concentrations preferable for algae production, including power plants and energy intensive manufacturing facilities.
- Water Supply – Water provides the critical hydrogen source for photosynthesis. Various algae species thrive in fresh water and/or high salinity water environments. Certain wastewater streams, containing high levels of nutrients, may also be effectively utilized for algae production.
- Nutrient Source – The primary nutrients required for photosynthesis include nitrogen and phosphorous, sourced from conventional N/P fertilizers.
- Light Energy – Sunlight provides the main energy source for conversion of CO2 and water into algae, generally 70% to 85% of the total energy requirements. Only the visible light portion of sunlight is useful for algae production and more specifically certain wavelengths are more efficiently absorbed.
- Algae Composition – The composition of algae product is highly dependent on the specific species utilized and the photo-synthesis operating conditions employed. Algae products contain from 45% up to 80% carbon content in the form of lipids/oils, carbohydrates, proteins and hydrocarbons.
| Algae Products | End-Use Markets |
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- Algae oil substitution of vegetable oil feedstocks (e.g., soybean oil, palm oil) for biodiesel industry. - Refined glycerine produced via algae-biodiesel production, for pharmaceutical and consumer products industries. - Specialty oils and fatty acids for dietary supplements and consumer product applications. |
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- Substitution of agricultural sourced feedstocks for conversion of carbohydrates (sugars) to bio-ethanol (e.g., corn, sugar cane and sugar beets). - Production of bio-based polyolefin plastics for replacement of fossil fuel feedstocks. |
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- High protein content algae biomass for the animal food market, replacing agricultural-based protein sources (e.g., soybean meal). |
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- Production of renewable distillates via gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for substitution of diesel fuels. |
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- Feedstock source for biomass power generation with substitution of fossil fuels. - Conversion of residual biomass following oil extraction to renewable distillates. |
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