Can algae’s ability to bind carbon dioxide contribute to a more circular future?

Linnéa Pettersson, who completed her bachelor degree thesis at Nordic Paper, has investigated the possibilities of industrial algae cultivation in Bäckhammar. The starting point was the ability of the algae to convert carbon dioxide and light into oxygen and organic matter via photosynthesis.

By directing exhaust gases and process water from the pulp and paper industry to an algae farm, carbon dioxide and nutrients can be bound directly to the algae instead of being released into nature. End-of-life algae can then be used for a variety of end-products.

“The potential is huge and there are currently several pilot facilities.  The challenge is that, at present, very large areas are required to accommodate the amount of algae needed for it to work well in  practice,” says Linnéa.

Linnéa is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Innovation, Technology and Design. She concludes that more research is needed into industrial algae cultivation, but also that there is great potential in the circularity that the technology provides. Carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced, while at a plant like Bäckhammar the end-products could be turned into chicken feed or biochar.

Linnéa predicts new solutions in the future that will facilitate carbon sequestration in algae within smaller areas and lead to increased  circularity that benefits local communities.

“Imagine if one of the oldest life forms on earth could contribute to a solution to the greatest challenges of our time. That would be cool,” Linnéa concludes.