capable of eliminating 100 million tonnes of CO(-2
Globe says Petrocan, others give pond scum a chance
2008-04-29 08:17 ET - In the News
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From In the News (C-PCA) Petro-Canada Inc
The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Canadian researchers have big plans for pond scum. The Globe's Shawn McCarthy writes the plan is to develop algae farms that will convert carbon dioxide from oil sands projects and coal-fired power plants into biofuels, chemicals and fertilizers. The Algae ponds that use photosynthesis to feed on CO(-2) are common in warmer climes, but until recently, few thought they would be productive in Canada's harsh conditions. Now a consortium led by the Alberta Research Council has completed research that suggests the algae would thrive under northern light and temperatures, with an appropriate covering for winter months. "What we are doing is transferring [the algae systems] into more temperate climes, which is a big step and something that no one ever believed would be viable, but we have demonstrated that that's not true," said John McDougall, chairman of the Alberta Research Council. All told, he envisions a fleet of bioconversion facilities at tailings ponds across the country, capable of eliminating 100 million tonnes of CO(-2) emissions a year. Paying for the $20-million project is Petro-Canada, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, EnCana and Epcor Power LP.