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Project title

Luminescent Solar Photobioreactor for Carbon Capture to Bioenergy (Lumiscarb)

Primary Funding Agency

Science Foundation Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

Trinity College Dublin

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

In the current energy supply system, 83% of energy comes from fossil fuels that generate GHG emissions of 469-1001g CO2eq/kWh, depending on the source and conversion process. It increased CO2 concentration in the atmosphere by 412 ppm in 2020, which has severe environmental impacts. Ireland and the EU set the target to reduce GHG emissions by 40% and 85-90% by 2030 and 2050, respectively. It demands an innovative approach to decarbonising the existing energy systems and developing sustainable energy technologies. Lumiscarb proposes an innovative, next-generation photobioreactor technology to decarbonise to-bioenergy. Its unique philosophy is that every photon of the solar spectrum has the potential of carbon capture to biomass. In Lumiscarb, an inventive light-management technique manipulates the solar spectrum to maximise microalgae growth. Subsequently, biomass is transformed into biofuel for difficult-to-decarbonise areas such as freight transport, aviation, and industry. It will have a negative carbon footprint, with 1 kg of biomass production will remove 1.83-2.02 kg of CO2. The Lumiscarb system aims to integrate into energy-generating systems, buildings, and mass cultivation. It will further evolve from technology to solution in the concept phase. A prototype Lumiscarb PBR will be fabricated, tested, validated, and feasibility analysis in the seed phase.

Grant Approved

�62,819.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

1. Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/01/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/10/2023