Canadian gov't kickstarts algae research halfheartedly

Canadian Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn has announced funding for the initial development of a center to research conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2).

At only $100,000 Canadian, the initial funding isn't exactly overwhelming, however.

To be located in Alberta, the centre is to help develop microalgae systems that could capture up to 100 million tonnes of CO2 from industrial sources, such as coal-fired plants and oil sands projects, officials said. The algae, a valuable source of biomass, would then be converted into a range of industrial products and by-products such as renewable natural gas, hydrogen and biofuels.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is contributing $100,000 to the first phase of the project. NRCan funding will support key research and development activities, and conceptual engineering. These will contribute to a detailed business case for an integrated pilot facility.

"This project is a great example of our government's commitment to finding new and promising projects that will help take Canada to the next level of understanding carbon capture, storage and use," said Minister Lunn. "We are serious about delivering real results to Canadians and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

More money is to ultimately come from I-CAN, a mechanism that combines resources from industry, government and research organizations to conduct large research and development projects in Canada.

I-CAN's funding partners on this project include Shell Canada Limited, EPCOR Utilities Inc., Graymont, NRCan and the Government of Alberta.