Assessing the Potential of Seaweed for Biogas A Feasibility Study - the Isle of Man H. C. Greenwell, V. K. Wells, J. Bothwell Durham University Rodi Wout – Independent Karen Mooney & Felicity Senior Greenwell Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

What we hope to present? • • • • • • • • • • •

What is bioenergy and why do we need it? What is seaweed? How do we get energy from seaweed? Why do this on the Isle of Man? How do we get our seaweed? What we do with the seaweed? What other benefits are there? Will there be any adverse impacts? Has this been done anywhere before? What do we know so far from the project? What next for this project?

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

In Summary…….

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

The competition….. OR…… “alcohol burns with a hot, practically non-luminous, flame. If it could be produced cheaply enough it would form an excellent fuel for motors. Indeed, when the world’s supply of petrol is exhausted, we shall probably have to grow vast quantities of plants simply in order to provide enough starch from which we may obtain the necessary motor-spirit.” From “Elementary Chemistry” written in….. 1928! Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Why should we?

Because we have to! EU 20-20-20

• 20 % share of renewable energies in overall EU energy consumption by 2020. • At least a 20 % reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990. • Savings of 20 % of the EU's energy consumption compared to projections for 2020. • 10 % binding minimum target to be achieved by all Member States for the share of biofuels in overall EU transport petrol and diesel consumption by 2020. Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council (8/9 March 2007). Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Bioenergy

OH O OH O

HO O

k1

k4 O

BIOFUEL S

OH

OH

CH4

O OH

OH

HO

CO2 H2O

O HO OH

OH

O O O O O O

RDS (millions of years)

k2

k3

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Routes to Bioenergy • Fermentation C6H12O6 (Sugar) → 2C2H5OH (alcohol) + 2CO2

• Anaerobic Digestion C6H12O6 (Sugar) → 3CO2 + 3CH4 (Gas)

• Chemical Transformation O O

O O

O

HO

Catalyst + 3 MeOH

HO

O

O

+

3

OMe

HO

• Thermochemical Processing OH O HO O

OH O HO

OH

O OH

o

200 - 1200 C

Gas (CH4, CO, H2) Liquid (Acid, Oxygenated, Phenols, Aromatics, Hydrocarbons) Char Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Biomass Choices • Conventional Biofuels Wood, grass trimmings, sawdust

Combustion

Energy

Fermentation

Bio-ethanol

Corn, sugarcane, sugar beet Vegetable, peanut, palm, rapeseed oil

Transesterification

Bio-diesel

• Advanced Biofuels Industrial, agricultural, sewage wastes

Various Treatments

Microalgae, Macroalgae Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

So, not as simple as it seems…

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Combined approach • In order to implement a new energy technology, need to meet the technical, economic, political, legal & the societal threshold • …..we need engagement from the stakeholders and the community and the legislators….

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Algae

Schematic of seaweed morphology http://www.geol.utas.edu.au/kelpwatch/images/kelp_diag.jpg

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

N-nutrient Sugar syn Protein DNA

CO2

growth Starch Fat

Bioenergy Biomass production Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Macroalgae as a feedstock? Brown (2000 species)

Red (6000 species)

Green (1200 species)

Phaeophyceae Laminaria Fucus Sargassum

Rhodophyceae Gelidium Palmaria Porphyra

Chlorophyceae Ulva Codium

• • • • •

Not lignocellulosic Do not compete for land and fresh water Bio-sorption: waste water remediation High growth rates: High photosynthetic efficency High growth rates: Nuisance species Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

How do we get our seaweed?

1) Wild harvest 2) Cultivate & Harvest 3) Beach cast

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Is cultivation an option? Genus

Climate

Characteristics

Alaria

Arctic

Floating

Corallina

Widely spread

Calcareous, small

Cystoseira

Moderate

Floating reproduction structures

Ecklonia

Subtropical and moderate

One floating species

Egregia

Moderate

Robust, floating

Eucheuma

Cultivated in tropical areas

Small

Gracilaria

Widely spread

High productivity

Laminaria

Moderate

Extensively grown

Macrocystis

Moderate

Seasonal harvest

Pterygophora

Moderate

Very robust

Widely spread in moderate and Sargassum

tropical zones (including the

Many species, floating

Sargasso Sea)

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected] J. S. Craigie, J App Phycol, 2011, 23, p. 371

Learning from others…

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

What is EnAlgae? • 19 partners and 14 observers across seven EU Member States • aims to reduce CO2 emissions and dependency on unsustainable energy sources in North West Europe. - developing sustainable technologies for algal biomass production, bioenergy and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, from pilot facilities through to market-place products and services. - requires buy in from academia, regulators, stakeholders Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Three Work Packages WP 1: Maximise the transnational value of pilot scale algal culture facilities

across NWE, via an integrated network incorporating an up-to-date inventory of current and planned pilots; representative pilots will collect and share data and best practices in a standardised manner

WP 2: Identify political, economic, social and technological opportunities which promote the adoption of algal biomass within NWE

WP 3: Combine information across the algal bioenergy delivery chain into a

comprehensive and user friendly ICT tool which will facilitate decision making, identify gaps in current knowledge and capability, and provide a roadmap by which stakeholders can focus future actions in the region

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Work Package 1: Network of Algal Pilots • Six microalgae pilot sites • • • •

UK (Swansea University, InCrops, Plymouth Marine Laboratory) Belgium (Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen) Germany (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes) Netherlands (Wageningen UR including Plant Research International)

• Three macroalgae pilot sites • UK (Queen’s University Marine Laboratory) • Ireland (National University of Ireland, Galway) • France (CEVA) Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Pilot site: QUB Portaferry • 30.45 m² hatchery • Near-shore test site at sea: 7.3 ha

Alt = 22 km

• 6 x 100m longlines (~0.8 ha) to be installed and seeded in December • Using eco-materials for anchors to promote benthic communities

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Juvenile Laminaria digitata sporophytes Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Stakeholder Engagement • Environmental projects need stakeholder engagement • Strangford Lough highly designated: SAC, SPA, Ramsar site, ASSI, MNR, AONB • Coordinated stakeholders: SLLP representing local and specialist interests in all aspects of lough use and regulation. • Initial effort and engagement will minimise greater problems down the line...

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

What we did... • Initial and ongoing consultation with SLLP about site location and design • Longlines tender with provision for local company involvement: • Belfast-based David Ferran and Sons & Kilkeel-based Strangford Lough Services • Fishermen from Strangford Lough Services acting as middleman with fishers on Lough • Early discussion with relevant authorities about research • School visits to primary schools describing the research and need for bioenergy • Assisting with community projects, production of EnAlgae video from involvement in a seaweed documentary Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Echo-Anchors: Environmentally friendly mesh bags with locally sourced stone

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Longline site with white buoys to minimise visual impact

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Stakeholders and Outreach…

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

The science bit... Environmental Monitoring • water nutrients, temp, PAR, • benthic survey • ADCP hydrodynamics survey Biomass analysis • • • •

biometrics measurements weights (wet and ashed) number of plants, biomass per line biochemical composition analysis Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Temperature

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

PAR

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Biomass

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Converting lots of seaweed to energy?

Tokyo Gas Co Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Converting lots of seaweed to energy?

Matsui et al.

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

The Tokyo Gas Co Work

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Isle of Man Project

Project Background • The Isle of Man (IoM) presents an interesting case study for development and integration of marine bio-energy resources in the UK, and internationally. Specifically: • The IoM is well placed to develop renewable energy business. It has attractive taxation status and investment opportunities for technology driven business. • The IoM negotiated purchase of its territorial waters from the Crown Estate in exchange for oil & gas rights, out to 12 nautical miles from shore line, effectively meaning that the majority of the IoM owned territory is below the sea. • The IoM recovered the mineral rights and is now developing wind farm acreage in its territorial waters on a large scale. • As such, the IoM has an extensive coastline, relatively small landmass, and predominantly coastal community structure. • The IoM exports part of its generation to the UK so is an energy importer (gas) and exporter (electricity). • The IoM is an example of a vertically integrated energy market. The Manx Electricity Authority (MEA) http://www.gov.im/mea/ owns energy generation, distribution and retailing, as well as setting pricing (which is a simple 3 tier structure – domestic/industry/commercial). • Macroalgae a problem as beachcast and has been cultivated in IoM waters in the past.

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Energy provision in the Isle of Man • UK Interconnector Cable 60.0 Mw Installed 2000 • Renewable Energy

– Hydro - 1.0 Mw Water: Sulby and Block Eary Reservoir 1981

• Douglas

– Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) turbines 87.0 Mw Natural gas or fuel oil 2004

• Douglas

– Diesel generators

48.0 Mw Fuel Oil 1988

– Diesel generators

38.4 Mw Fuel Oil 1996

– Diesel generators

4.0 Mw Fuel Oil 1982

• Peel

• Ramsey

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Isle of Man Project Project Objectives

The IoM has committed to 10% renewables by 2015, and is presently at about 3% renewables. This study will add a new dimension to a recent commercial study undertaken by the IoM government. Using conservative estimates of growth rates and anaerobic digestion (AD) biogas yields, of seaweeds, based on the few medium scale trials (one in Japan on AD of seaweed and largely historic data on kelp growth) undertaken, the consortium has estimated that about 5-7% of the Isle of Man domestic gas supply for heating and power can be generated by biogas, providing certain areas of the coastline can support macroalgae growth, something this proposal directly addresses through assessing growth in 4 key sea zone areas around the IoM coastline. Simultaneously to addressing the technological feasibility studies will be undertaken by the Durham University Business School to address public acceptability and stakeholder perceptions.

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Isle of Man: Macroalgae Potential • A band width of 1 km has been chosen for the illustration of yield because it is convenient and is based on a 49.9 m baseline length • The magenta band shown will offer an assumed cultivation area of 4990 Ha. • Therefore, the theoretical tonnage output for this area would be 4990 X 100 (wet tons), using the 100 tons figure discussed above. • IE: 499,000 tons. Per annum Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Surveyed Laminaria Sp.

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Isle of Man: Macroalgae Potential • Using the real data of Matsui et al, conversion of 17 m3 (22m3 for laminaria) per ton of wet seaweed feedstock, a figure results: 499000 X 17 = 8,483,000 m3 of methane. • The standard value of energy per m3 of methane is 39MJ ~ 0.37 Therm (or 663 MJ/Tonne). • Potential energy - 8.5M m3 p.a. x 0.37 Therm = 3.2 Million Therms. • This is about 1/10 of island heating/power demand. • Note this is based on the following assumptions – yields of 100 tonne/ha (some studies suggest up to 700 tonnes/ha). – Approx 500K Ha can be procured for growth (near shore/windfarm?). – The Matsui figures can be reproduced.

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Isle of Man: Macroalgae Potential

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Isle of Man: Macroalgae Potential

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Taking the STEP forward…

http://www.seaweed.ie/

1st Stage Development – Year 1

2nd Stage Development – Year 2

•

•

• • •

Single rope culture in different locations to establish real growth Assess transport of rope seeded with new seaweed plants. Engage stakeholders Community Survey

• •

Several ropes, environment impact assessment. Locate optimal sites and assess processing options. Assess nutrient rich wastes for codigestate. Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Taking the STEP forward…

Image courtesy of Bio Architecture Lab, Inc

3rd Stage Development – Yr 3 • Community & Stakeholder awareness events. • Reassess perceptions. • Develop production at scale. • Integrate with waste streams

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Engaging Stakeholders • Fishermen • Airport • Ferry (Steam Packet) • Leisure/tourism • Shoreline residents • Governance – Laws and legal influences Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Consumers (Users of Biogas) Individuals

Business

Affected by Production and supply Perceptions and attitudes Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Co-Digestates on IoM? • Needed to make AD and economics work – Need N and P to balance C in seaweed – Brewery waste – Creamery waste – Sewage sludge – Waste food – Laws and legal influences Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

In Summary….

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

And potential impacts….

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Summary: What is known? • From Tokyo Gas Co work – Stable digestion of beachcast is possible – Mixed species AND creamery waste – Methane yields are known – With some mixing 10kW plant run • From Irish Sea – species surveys • Rope growth of seaweed well established in Far East • From Douglas Corporation we know approximate beachcast yields • From surveys, Irish Sea is very diverse Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Summary: What needs to be known? • • • •

Beachcast volumes on a week by week basis? Possible co-digestate volumes and types? How well the process scales? Disposal of digestate – Will the farming community use it? – How well does it improve soils? – What is the regulatory regime?

• Where is the primary interest? – – – –

Electricity/Transport Where/When is the main demand? Can the grid handle the volumes? Would LNG be better/flexible? Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Summary: What needs to be known? • • • • • • • •

Actual gas yields with actual co-digestates Full process costs Nutrient cycling owing to beachcast removal Effects on biodiversity/fish stocks (Phase II) How much of coast can be used (Phase I) Clamp preservation? Coastal management impacts How does the consumer/stakeholder feel about bioenergy? Ongoing study with DUBS • Biodiversity (Mike Kaiser) Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Work going forward • Test growth of macroalgae (Aug 13) • Test baling of beachcast (Jan 13) • Test bale preservation (Jan 13) • Assess AD of macroalgae (Aug 13) • Assess AD of co-digestates(Aug 13) • MSc student starts October 2013

Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]

Acknowledgements • Durham Energy Institute & EU • Manx Electricity Authority • Douglas Corporation • Friend of the Earth • Chris Thomas • Manx FM, John Deere (IoM), all on IoM who have helped with enthusiasm • You, for listening! Senior Lecturer in Geoenergy Durham University [email protected]