AFSG coordinates this AlgiCoat Project to develop a “whole crop” biorefinery concept for large-scale algal cultures, co-producing poly-unsaturated fatty acids and polyols as raw materials for coating components, oil for fuels and heat / electricity.
Background
Phototrophic algae use solar energy for photosynthesis to bind CO2 for the production of biomass and useful components, such as oil, food and feed ingredients. Of special importance is the high biomass production capacity of some algae of probably between 20 - 50 tons of dry matter per hectare per year, making this crop even superior to e.g. beet and potato.
Importance for a clean, reliable and affordable energy household
The project significantly contributes to a clean, reliable and affordable energy household. Upon commercialisation AkzoNobel could use more than 200,000 tons per year of durable base chemicals derived from algae for its production of coatings and surface active agents. Furthermore, it will decrease the net generation of CO2 by companies such as AkzoNobel and Essent with at least the same amount.
As base chemicals are higher priced than fuels on the one hand and have large market volumes on the other hand, this acts very favourable on the overall economics of algal production systems.
Further implementation
Already during the initial project phase AkzoNobel and Ingrepro have built a demonstration unit to show that algal systems can be used for base chemicals, fuel and heat / electricity production. Essent will deliver the CO2. However, the research and development activities of the project are mandatory to generate the technological breakthroughs required for full scale economic operation.
The demonstration unit has been built in the Delfzijl ChemiePark area to get experience with complex biological processes in a chemical environment. Optimization of the biological and chemical conditions is essential. In a later stage the demonstration unit will be used to show that algal systems can produce feedstocks for the chemical industry.
Partners and their contributions
Wageningen UR Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group with the involvement of Biobased Products and BioProcess Engineering: Biology, selection and algal culture dynamics, small-scale cultivation parameters, extraction, analyses, initial chemical conversion, side products.
AkzoNobel Base Chemicals and AkzoNobel Decorative Paints: Synthesis of resins, formulation and evaluation of paints and coatings; Process design and integration; System/chain evaluation, economics.
Ingrepro: Large-scale cultivation parameters and harvest.
Essent: Energy aspects, biodiesel, extracted biomass, other side streams, heat / electricity.
Acknowledgement
This EOSLT07034 AlgiCoat Project is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs via the SenterNovem Energie Onderzoek Subsidie