Ethanol producing alga units to save local forests

A firm is set to start building algae growing units to come up with raw materials for production of ethanol as clean fuel in Kenya.

Terra Endeavors said the units will produce Spirulina and Chlorella varieties for high nutritional supplements for local and export markets.

With assistance from authorities, the firm’s bio-digesters will provide villages with mini-grid electricity and residue material from units used to make organic fertiliser.

The company’s director Charles Abramson said they plan to reverse loss of trees as ethanol cooking fuel is environmentally sustainable with farmers set to benefit from export of extras.

“Our system involves collaborating with communities in rural areas to construct low cost algae growth units and bio-digesters to produce ethanol cooking fuel among others besides electricity,” he said.

Algae growth units which look like long shallow bathtubs are to be built using local materials to double as rainwater harvesting and storage facilities. This will improve access to freshwater.

Bio-digesters are also to be set up from local materials. All forms of waste organic material and animal manure will serve as feedstock for biogas production. A generator set will provide mini-grid power to villages and excess electricity sold to the national grid. Mr Abramson said carbon dioxide captured from power generation will be used to spur algae growth rate. He said they expect to be joined by revolutionary technology firms like Bloom Energy in conversion of biogas to power.

“The need to spend time or money on firewood or charcoal will be eliminated substantially. This should greatly reduce deforestation and problems associated with breathing in wood fuel emissions,” he said.

source: nation.co.ke