The National Centre for Energy and Environment (NCEE)

ALGAE BIOMASS CULTIVATION FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

Overview Project

This involved the cultivation of pure monocultures of selected species.

The alga was grown in simple photo-bioreactors. A photo-bioreactor is a system in which algae are grown in enclosed tubes or tanks. The material of the photo-bioreactor is transparent to allow sunlight to pass through and become available to power the biochemical process of photosynthesis.

Project Deliverables

  • The project provided necessary data on productivity and culture methods of algae and management of Jatropha plants over a full annual cycle.
  • Identification of key algal strain(s) and Jatropha plants appropriate for large-scale production of environmentally friendly biofuels
  • Data for decision-makers in industry, academia, and government agencies on algae biofuel sustainability
  • Disseminated research findings on algae and Jatropha in peer-reviewed journals, reports, web sites (s), and in education settings.