Researchers at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) have developed a technology that uses microalgae to simultaneously capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and produce biohydrogen, a promising fuel. The findings were published in the *International Journal of Hydrogen Energy*.
The technology involves directing industrial emissions through a specialized biopond where microalgae absorb the CO2. The resulting biomass is then processed using dark fermentation to produce biohydrogen, the university representatives explained.
The future of sustainable energy lies not in fighting nature, but in collaborating with it. Microalgae are tiny allies capable of converting industrial waste into clean energy. In this work, we have shown that solutions that can truly change the world are born at the intersection of biotechnology and ecology.
— Natalia Politaeva, Professor at SPbPU`s Higher School of Hydrotechnical and Energy Construction
The biohydrogen produced by this method can be used as fuel for various energy purposes, such as generating electricity and heat in industrial settings, powering hydrogen fuel cells, or serving as automotive biofuel.
According to the SPbPU researchers, the system is particularly relevant for coal-fired power plants, which are major sources of carbon dioxide emissions.
A 500-megawatt coal power plant emits 11,400 tons of carbon dioxide daily. Integrating our system not only reduces emission penalties but also converts waste into valuable fuel.
— Ksenia Velmozhina, Engineer at SPbPU`s Educational Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Monitoring
According to her, the system can increase industrial energy efficiency by 20-30 percent. The method is applicable in any country with significant industrial emissions.
The researchers assert that the advantage and uniqueness of the developed scheme lie in its combination of three functions: carbon dioxide capture, biomass processing, and hydrogen generation. This makes it exceptionally integrated and sustainable.
At this stage, the scientists` priority is piloting the technology at an industrial site and adapting it to various climatic conditions. They also plan to expand the system to include wastewater treatment and the extraction of high-value bioproducts.
