By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-990715.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Researchers at the University of Kentucky are expanding a greenhouse project to a coal-burning power plant in hopes of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
At UK's Center for Applied Energy Research, bright green algae flow through dozens of 8-foot tall tubes in what's called a photobioreactor. Like plants, algae use photosynthesis to process carbon dioxide, but at a much faster growth rate.
"The algae convert the CO2 that we feed into biomass, essentially a mixture of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids, or if you prefer, oils," says Dr. Mark Crocker, an associate director at CAER.
Crocker says the biomass can then be used as animal feed, fertilizer, or biofuels.
Around 90 percent of the Commonwealth's energy is derived from coal-fired power plants. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet announced Friday the expansion of the algae project through a $1.3 million grant.
"If there were ever to be emission legislation concerning CO2, then Kentucky would potentially be at a disadvantage. Given that fact, the state has been very proactive in funding research directed at the capture of CO2 as well its utilization or indeed sequestration," says Crocker.
The CAER system has been tested in a greenhouse for the past three years and will now be applied to East Kentucky Power Cooperative's Dale Power Station in Clark County. If successful, experts say it could make burning coal a more carbon-neutral process.
