Algae can be the basis of a change in the development that we are experiencing in fuels. In search of environmentally friendly fuels that help combat emissions, the path they have taken in Barbados may be the turning point.
In this case, furthermore, the benefit could be double, since the new biofuel created is biogas that is obtained through sargassum. Sargassum is a type of slimy algae that proliferates in the Caribbean Sea and has been causing major headaches for the entire area for some time.
This type of algae tremendously disfigures the coasts of crystalline waters and clear sands that are a tourist attraction and livelihood for a large part of the countries in the area. In order to combat it, networks and other highly expensive systems have been installed. The situation is so serious for countries that in Barbados, for example, its Prime Minister declared a national emergency due to the large accumulation of this type of algae.
In addition to the aesthetic problem, another of the big problems with sargassum is that it releases hydrogen sulfide that can cause irritation and, in very extreme cases, other ailments such as respiratory diseases or damage to the nervous system.
The algae are mixed with other local “products” to generate biogas.
Faced with such a situation and aware of this surplus of algae, scientists wondered if they could obtain some type of benefit or fuel from it. This is what they did and they have achieved a fuel that does not have any emissions, but does meet the concept of neutral emissions.
The reason why this biogas, like all biogas, is considered carbon neutral is because the emissions of this carbon have already been offset by its absorption during the life cycle of the material. That is, the algae captured the CO2 that will return to the atmosphere when the biogas is burned.
It must be said that although the idea is new and continues to be developed, engineers at the University of the West Indies patented the process in 2019. Not only algae is used in this process, but also wastewater from local rum and distilleries. excrement from local sheep, another advantage of the project.
Currently, there is already a vehicle moving around the island thanks to the algae, an electric car whose batteries are recharged with a generator powered by this fascinating creation, which can be an alternative to the combustion engine such as the hydrogen one.
