Producing hydrogen fuel from marine algae

In the context of abnormally high oil and gas prices, the fuel reserves are increasingly depleted, a genetically modified algae is bringing about benefits.

Green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
(Photo: scienzita.it)

About an environmentally friendly green energy source.Experts from Bielefeld University (Germany) and University of Queensland (Australia) successfully cultivated green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii single-celled hydrogen in large quantities, then burned this gas to create energy.

While fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas burn carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), this green fuel only releases water. Normally, a liter of algae produces only 100 ml of hydrogen but genetically modified algae can produce up to 5 times the amount of hydrogen.

According to the researchers, to exploit this commercial algae, it is necessary to increase the energy efficiency from the current 1.6% -2% to 7-10%. Meanwhile, the highest level in natural algae is 0.1%. The researchers' ultimate goal is to create biofuel batteries, in which algae produce enough hydrogen and can be used immediately. At that time, the drivers did not have to run to the gas station to refuel but just bring a vehicle with electricity from algae. Meanwhile, Karlsruhe Technical University (Germany) is developing a bioreactor containing about 500-1,000 liters of algae.

In the future, reactors that handle 1 million liters of algae can supply enough energy to 1,000 households.

Hoang Hoang