Novel algae-based solution for CO2 capture and biomass production

The aim of the ALGADISK project is to develop a modular, scalable, and automatic biofilm
reactor for Algae biomass production, with low operational and installation costs. The
reactor will be designed to capture CO2 from industrial emissions to produce high value
organic products. In this system, algae will be grown both in an aqueous environment and
on biocompatible surfaces, allowing for CO2 absorption from either the gas or liquid
phase. This method will dramatically increase the efficiency of the reactor, and decrease
water requirements. Automatic and continuous harvesting of algae will be designed to
optimize CO2 uptake and biomass production. Adjusting the scale of the system will be
trivial, as ALGADISK will have a modular design, and the installation’s footprint will be
considerably reduced compared to technologies currently on the market. Design software
will be provided which, based on user input, will suggest installation parameters, perform
a cost/benefit analysis to calculate economic feasibility, and make predictions concerning
the environmental sustainability of the system. The proposed system will be specifically
crafted to meet the needs of European SMEs who are willing to produce algae biomass
products from industrial emissions.