Microalgae cultures have been investigated as a source of renewable fuels for almost fifty years. The initial concept was to grow algae in municipal wastewaters, harvest the algal biomass and convert it to methane fuel. By the 1980's the R&D emphasis shifted to microalgae production in large-scale processes with fuels as the only outputs.
In the mean-time, a microalgae food supplement production industry developed, starting in the 1960’s in Japan for the production of Chlorella, followed by development in the U.S., Taiwan, Australia, China and other countries of production processes for Spirulina, Dunaliella and recently, Haematococcus. At present, about 5 000 tons of food- and feed-grade microalgae biomass are produced annually in large open pond systems.

Typical Commercial Microalgae Production Facility, Kona, Hawaii. (This one being 90 acres).
Note: green ponds culturing Spirulina and red ponds with Haematococcus pluvialis.
(Courtesy of Cyanotech Corp.)

A plant in Hawaii is using the flue gas from a small power plant to supply the CO2, required in microalgae production. Microalgae ponds are also extensively used in many countries for wastewater treatment and at least one plant in California is using the methane obtained from the harvested algal biomass to produce electricity.

Power Plant and CO2 Scrubber for Microalgae Production
(Courtesy of Cyanotech Corp., Kona, Hawaii)

The Network aims to capture the potential of microalgae technologies for greenhouse gas abatement and renewable biofuels production in conjunction with other processes, such as wastewater treatment, other co-products, such biopolymers and fertilizers, or as stand-alone schemes.

The Microalgae Biofixation Network started operating in June 2002. A research and development ‘Roadmap’ (1MB Adobe Acrobat PDF) has been completed as the key tool for guiding future R&D activities integrating in its broad vision the projects carried out by the Network members. The Roadmap outlines the most plausible microalgae processes for GHG abatement and identifies R&D needs to develop such process within the 5 to 10 year time-frame of the Network. Several meetings and workshops have been held to develop a consensus among technical experts for the R&D priorities identified in the Roadmap.

The Microalgae Biofixation Network provides a structure and mechanism by which expertise can be shared, critical mass reached and research projects co-ordinated to help focus R&D efforts on the most promising approaches towards practical applications.

Timescale

The Microalgae Biofixation Network has been established for an initial five-year period with a possible five year further extension. The goal of the Network is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of novel technologies for GHG mitigation based on microalgae biofixation within this time frame and to initiate practical demonstrations and applications within this period.

Funding

The Microalgae Biofixation Network is funded by the participants, each paying US$9 000/yr, to help defray the cost of meetings, support of the Network Manager and other costs. The Network is not envisioned as an R&D funding mechanism and research projects developed within the Network are directly funded by participating organisations.

Governance

The Network is governed by the Steering Committee composed of designated representatives of the Participating Organisations. The IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme provides management support and technical activities are co-ordinated by a Network Manager. Technical assistance is also provided by Technical Advisers recruited from the private sector and universities.

Conclusion

The development of practical microalgae biofixation of CO2 and GHG abatement require multidisciplinary R&D approaches, critical mass and a diversity of approaches and projects. These cannot be encompasses by any single project or organisation. This is the rationale for this Network.