Eni develops an innovative technology for the biofixation of CO2 with artificial light

Eni announces the launch of the experimental plant for the biofixation of carbon dioxide obtained from micro-algae thanks to the aid of artificial LED light. The plant, built at the Research Center for Renewable Energy and the Environment, represents for Eni a further important step forward in the context of the objectives of decarbonisation and circular economy.

In detail, the algal biofixation process allows to fix carbon dioxide by exploiting chlorophyll photosynthesis to enhance CO2 as a raw material in high-value products such as algal flour for food / nutraceutical markets, and / or bio oil - not in competition with agricultural crops - usable as raw material in bio refineries.

This is a technology based on a totally Italian supply chain in which Eni is accelerating its application in the field, as it is strategic for the reduction of climate-altering emissions.

The pilot plant, consisting of 4 photobioreactors, is integrated with renewable energy sources and is based on Photo B-Othic technology, with which Eni has signed a License Agreement. Photo B-Otic was created to support the development of biofixation technology and starts from the initiative of MEG, Everbloom, Abel Nutraceuticals and the Arcobaleno Cooperative, which is a majority shareholder and has promoted this entrepreneurial initiative, which is the result of decades of research work in in the field of nutraceuticals and biotechnologies in collaboration with the DIATI of the Polytechnic of Turin.

The photobioreactors on which the technology is based are composed of innovative hydraulic panels, in which micro-algae circulate, equipped with LED lighting panels that spread the light evenly, exploiting the preferred wavelengths for photosynthesis. The modulation of the light for intensity and quality is controlled according to the optimal growing conditions.

The advantages of this technology consist in the high CO2 fixation efficiency, simplicity, modularity and compactness and in 24/7 operation. These factors make it interesting for all logistically favorable areas even in sites that cannot be used for agriculture, or abandoned and converted industrial areas.

Currently, the pilot plant has achieved very promising daily biomass productivity data, which - where confirmed on a larger scale - could allow a plant with a footprint of 1 hectare to produce 500 tons of biomass per year. per hectare, trapping around 1000 tons of CO2.

Eni develops an innovative technology for the biofixation of CO2 with artificial light

| NEWS ' |