Algae-power under the microscope
16 Oct 2015
A new high-tech facility in Munich will investigate whether the cultivation of algae can provide a viable source of biofuel.
The venture, established by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in cooperation with Airbus Group, aims to develop new processes for producing biokerosene and chemical products.
Although there are about 150,000 different types of algae known to scientists, the researchers said only about 10 species had so far been used commercially.
“While the production of biofuels from corn implies a problematic competition between nutritional use and fuel, algae also grow in saltwater and require neither arable land nor pesticides,” said Thomas Brück, professor for Industrial Biocatalysis at the Technical University of Munich.
“Still, they can generate up to ten times higher yields per hectare and year.”
The 1,500 square meter facility houses three areas for algae cultivation, and researchers say it can simulate lighting and climate conditions for almost any location on Earth.
Elaborate climate technology can recreate both tropical and very dry climate conditions, with two different climate zones simulated in the two outer halls.
To achieve this, the building’s façade is comprised of highly transparent glass to let ultraviolet light pass through.
Additional LED creates light in the 300-to 800-nanometer wavelength range of an intensity distribution that closely mimics that of sunlight, TUM researchers said.
“No one can predict whether or not a specific alga from the South Pacific will be just as productive in Germany as it is in its native environment,” said Brück.
“Now we can test all of this in our technical facilities.”
Airbus Group and the Bavarian Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Science and the Arts have jointly provided over €10 million (£7.4 million) in funding for the facility.
