HELIOS-NRG LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 18c

Description

There is an urgent need to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from coal burning power plants. Current CO2 capture technologies are too expensive and not economically viable. A new technology that can capture ~90% of the CO2 and significantly reduce the cost of capture is required for commercial viability. This project is aimed at the development of an advanced algae technology that can enable 90% of the CO2 from coal based power plants to be captured and converted to liquid bio-fuels and high value chemicals. Generation of high value co-products creates substantial added value. This can potentially reduce the net cost of CO2 capture to <$10/ton. In Phase1, the technical feasibility of operating the algae in the presence of coal derived flue gas contaminants, achieving high CO2 capture efficiency, dewatering algae at low cost and generation of high value chemicals will be validated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Commercial applications of the new technology include CO2 capture from coal based power plants and other fossil fueled industries, production of liquid bio-fuels, high value chemicals and nutraceuticals. This will greatly reduce emissions of CO2 and heavy metals as well as consumption of petroleum. About 99% of the water used in algae farming is recycled thus greatly reducing fresh water consumption. By enabling the large new applications mentioned above, it can create new industries and jobs.