Algae Initiative Presentation with an Agriculture Focus: The Synergy Between Algae Farming & Anaerobic Digesters

By Norma McDonald, Phase 3

Algae cultivation requires four things: light, nutrients, proper temperature, and CO2. All of these can be provided by co-location with livestock operations which incorporate the latest technologies.

An increasing number of US farms are installing anaerobic digestion systems to provide two key benefits versus conventional land application of untreated manure: enhanced environmental management of manure, and, energy independence. The systems are best suited to farms with liquid manure like swine and dairy, but drier manures such as beef, chicken, turkey and horse manure can be mixed with the more liquid sources.
During anaerobic digestion, naturally occurring bacteria decompose the manure to produce biogas which is typically composed of about two-thirds methane (or natural gas). The biogas can be used to generate heat, electricity or be upgraded for insertion into the pipeline or used as compressed natural gas for vehicle fuel. Farms can become energy independent and obtain revenues from selling excess energy production and emission reduction credits.

After digestion, the liquid leaves the digester with several improvements: vastly reduced odor, pathogens, weed seeds, fly larvae and particulate matter. The remaining particulate matter in the effluent can be separated, leaving a warm, homogeneous liquid organic fertilizer that makes a perfect feedstock for algae cultivation. By co-locating, algae cultivation can benefit from these nutrients, and also from the thermal and electrical energy production and vented CO2. Farms can provide the necessary acres for rapid growth photobioreactors, as well as utilize the remaining liquid for irrigation. The expanded farm activities are truly synergistic.
Phase 3 Renewable’s specializes in the development and commercialization of agricultural-based conversion of waste to renewable energy and biobased products, and is collaborating with AlgaeVS AlgaeVenture to commercialize rapid and profitable growth of algae. The two companies are exploring sites for a commercial scale model in 2009.

Phase 3 brings a unique combination of knowledge and practical experience to the marketplace, with a staff that has extensive experience in biobased products including upgraded biogas, fermentation processes, anaerobic digestion, logistics, manufacturing equipment, purchasing, financial management, and marketing. Managers come from farming families, and formal qualifications include electrical, mechanical and biosystems engineering; general contracting and licensed electrical contractor.

Phase 3 has also developed a proprietary decision-support software tool, PATHWAYS 2 PROFIT™, for biogas and energy conversion plants using agricultural and other food wastes. The tool allows farmers and other producers to simultaneously examine all of the options for construction, equipment, biogas production, co-feeds, energy conversion, emission reductions, nutrient management, and funding. The tool integrates data from operating systems around the world and provides the financial and operational perspective needed to make system choices.
Phase 3 is a certified Carbon Credit Aggregator, registered with the Chicago Climate Exchange. Phase 3 is a small, women and veteran-owned and operated business. http://phase3developments.com/

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 at 11:56 am and is filed under Articles. You can leave a response below.

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