UTS has celebrated World Algae Day by highlighting two cutting-edge technologies that promise the next-generation of carbon capture.
Minister for the Environment and Water, The Hon Tanya Pilbersek MP, officially launched the UTS Algal Phenomics Facility and had a preview of the new Green Genie technology.
The Algal Phenomics Facility is a world-first lab featuring a fully automated robotic system that can screen thousands of types of algae per day, supercharging the genetic selection of the traits needed by industries.
Minister for the Environment and Water, The Hon Tanya Pilbersek MP, at launch of the Algal Phenomics Facility. Photo: Barnaby Downes.
Distinguished Professor Peter Ralph, Director of Climate Change Cluster, says the facility can operate at the equivalent of 20 scientists working 24/7 on finding these ‘super algae’.
“By drastically accelerating the discovery and characterisation of using this advanced tech, we are unlocking enormous potential for industry to quickly utilise ‘super algae’ to decarbonise their manufacturing processes,” he said.
UTS has supported the development of new biotechnologies to combat climate change and create a new green industry in Australia
Green Genie is a portable bioreactor technology platform that can fit in a shipping container. It directly captures carbon from the air that can then be used to produce products such as bio-plastics and animal feed.
Professor Long Nghiem, Director of the Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, says Green Genie has the potential to work 20 times more efficiently in capturing carbon than existing platforms.
“Scientists and engineers have been working to overcome the challenges of achieving carbon capture at scale. Green Genie uses innovative optical techniques and new filtration technology to make a step-change in the fight against climate change,” he said.
World Algae is celebrated on 12 October each year, and is part of Global Climate Change Week.
As a pioneer in the field, UTS has supported the development of new biotechnologies to combat climate change and create a new green industry in Australia.