Sustainable bioenergy from microalgae: A systems perspective

Completed

Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Production of transport biofuels (incl. Production from wastes))
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Production of other biomass-derived fuels (incl. Production from wastes))
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Other bio-energy)

Basic and strategic applied research

BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr S Vaidyanathan
Chemical and Biological Engineering
University of Sheffield

Research Grant

BBSRC

01 October 2013

30 September 2016

36 months

£1,222

Transport Systems and Vehicles

Yorkshire & Humberside

Sustainable bioenergy and biofuels (SuBB)

Dr S Vaidyanathan, Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield

Dr JG Day, Scottish Association For Marine Science
Dr DJ Gilmour, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield
Dr M Johnson, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield
Dr K Kelly, Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Dr J Pandhal, Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield
Prof AG Smith, Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
Dr M Stanley, Scottish Association For Marine Science
Prof PC Wright, Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield
Professor W Zimmerman, Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield

The two collaborating industrial partners (Pioneer Jellice Ltd in India and Celtic distilleries in Scotland) as their waste streams will be tested for improved microalgal bioenergy generation potential - leading to processes that they could adopt.
The proposed work will impact the algal research community, as the research conducted here will provide initial leads and background information for future developments of technology for bioenergy generation from microalgae
Both UK and India will stand to benefit from the proposed work as sustainable processes relevant to the geographical areas could be developed based on the results of the work proposed.
The work proposed will enhance our knowledgebase that will not only be applicable in India and the UK, but also globally, elsewhere.
There will be exchange of knowledge and awareness of the socio-economic needs for the development of sustainable processes in India and the UK, by investigators from both the countries.
The developed processes will contribute to environmental sustainability and attract public and private sector investments for R&D
there will be transnational skills training possible

Current methods to meet the growing energy demand are unsustainable and environmentally damaging. Bio-energy has the potential to mitigate carbon emission concerns and provide a renewable option for energy generation. But, this requires development of sustainable processes that are economically viable. The concept of using photoautotrophic metabolism in microalgae to convert solar energy and carbon dioxide to organic fuel precursors is attractive for sustainable energy generation. However, development of efficient processes that use the concept to make a difference to the energy economy has so far proved elusive. We believe that a greater understanding of microalgae metabolism derived through a systems approach will make a difference to this scenario and enable development of sustainable processes for bio-energy generation, including approaches that use synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. The successful development of any such process will require characterisation of organisms that are relevant to field cultivation rather than just laboratory strains. We aim to combine UK and Indian facilities and expertise in phycology, bioremediation, 'omic' characterisations and biochemical engineering to conduct a systems level investigation on selected microalgae isolates with potential to accumulate biofuel precursors and develop sustainable processes for bio-energy generation from microalgae in India and the UK. The proposed work will result in the identification of key metabolic steps in relevant algal biotransformations, optimised conditions that maximise product yields and selected or novel strains for use in developing bioprocess for sustainable generation of fuel precursors that make a difference to the energy economy in India and the UK. We also propose to hold joint workshops in the two countries and exchange visits to enable transfer of knowledge and expertise between partners, with active industrial involvement.

14/04/14