The technology group The Linde Group and the US company Algenol Biofuels LLC have agreed to collaborate in a joint development project in order to identify the optimum management of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) for Algenol's unique algae and photobioreactor technology. This cooperation will see the companies join forces to develop cost-efficient technologies that capture, store, transport and supply CO2 for Algenol's proprietary process for the production of third-generation (3G) biofuels out of CO2, salt water and algae, as well as remove oxygen from the photobioreactor.

"Producing fuels or chemicals from algae is a promising way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Dr Aldo Belloni, member of the Executive Board of Linde AG. "A cost-efficient supply of CO2 is a key factor in this biofuel chain. As a pioneer and leading company in CO2 capture, transport and supply we are delighted to be a key player in major projects in the algae-to-biofuel area."

The research collaboration builds on a process developed by Algenol Biofuels and other partners. This method utilizes algae, CO2, salt water and sunlight to directly produce 3G bioethanol and other 3G biofuels or biochemicals in photobioreactors. This technology promises numerous benefits. The production facilities, for example, do not need to be built on land required for food or feed production. Furthermore, the procedure does not consume fresh water nor does it involve costly steps for processing or harvesting and storing biomass. A further key benefit is that the algae also consume CO2 from fossil fuel sources (combustion flue gases from coal-fired power plants, for example). The process is almost entirely powered by the sun.

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