Algae protein is attracting considerable attention as a nutrient across the human food chain – but cultivation at scale requires a consistent source of CO₂ to create optimum conditions and to maximise photosynthetic potential. A novel approach to CCU can provide the necessary input.

Algal protein is much in demand – seen as a versatile product that is suitable for a wide range of uses, both directly for human consumption, and indirectly in the food chain[1]. Growing algae at the scale required to support commercial use requires a consistent set of inputs – and a steady flow of CO₂. Obtaining the necessary volumes of CO₂ for commercial cultivation demands an innovative approach – and new approaches to carbon capture could provide the answer.

Of course, carbon capture technologies that can remove CO₂ from industrial emissions have been around for a while but, until now, have not met commercial or scalability expectations as quickly as hoped in response to meeting stringent global net-zero targets or for providing a viable source of inputs for cultivating algal protein.

Algal protein is a viable option for CCUS

However, a mix of technologies and approaches – termed CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation, and storage) – is rapidly gaining traction and is considered the way forward to meet targets for CO₂ emissions. CCUS technologies can be divided into two general approaches: CCS (carbon capture and storage) and CCU (carbon capture and utilisation).

CCS involves carbon capture (at source), transport of the carbon, and storage. CO2 is stored in two ways:

• Deep geological storage (ocean, depleted oil coal fields, and saline aquifers)
• Mineral storage

There is concern that deep ocean storage could increase acidification and worsen the current excess of CO₂ in the oceans. Geological formations are currently considered the most promising storage sites. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) CO₂ could be trapped for millions of years in geological sites, retaining over 99% of CO₂ over 1,000 years.

Depleted coal seams and some volcanic rocks are also considered to be promising storage sites, while there are still doubts over saline aquifers. Mineral carbonation (mineral storage), meanwhile, involves combining CO₂ with stable minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. As a result, CO₂ is not re-released into the atmosphere. However, carbonation is a slow process that requires significant energy and so does little to address the underlying problem.

If CCS could be performed at a commercial scale, it may reduce emissions to a limited extent, but it comes with a number of environmental, political, economic, and moral questions. How cost-effective is it?

Carbon capture and utilisation to cultivate algae protein

CCU (carbon capture and utilisation) is also seen as a promising and complementary technique. CCU, like CCS, involves carbon capture, but the CO₂ is then essentially recycled into useful products, including (but not limited to):

• Synthetic fuels
• Biomass, such as animal feed
• Building materials, including concrete
• Chemicals and fertilisers
• And more – there are multiple avenues that are already being commercialises and monetised.

According to a report from IDTechEx, for example, revenues from carbon utilisation are forecast to grow from $12 billion in 2024 to $239 billion by 2045, highlighting the perceived potential of the technology. In essence, CCU is already profitable and a growing sector.

There are many approaches to CCU, but here at Remediiate, we use the captured CO₂ to support photosynthesis to produce algae protein that can be used for animal feed or converted into building materials, and other products.  Algae-based carbon utilisation is a well-established form of carbon management. It offers significant advantages, including high photosynthetic efficiency and rapid growth rates, allowing for more effective carbon capture.

Carbon mitigation at source using algal protein photosynthesis

Importantly, we offer a turnkey solution that enables carbon mitigation at source — and compliance with regulations. It can be deployed today and is TRL8-ready. We are the first company to prove that we can deliver commercial rates of growth for algae. Others cannot handle this volume, or are dependent on small laboratories, or are growing them in open environments that are not controllable.

We are the only CCU provider that does not require REE (rare earth elements) or critical minerals as part of our solution, and our CCU requires less electricity compared to other similar solutions. Our cultivation rate and yield delivery are unprecedented.

Remediiate offers the first commercially available CCU solution that has been independently proven, at scale, with our unique and proprietary technology delivering unprecedented growth and yield rates for algae protein, providing a profitable carbon abatement solution – at source.

We are a cleantech company that offers innovative solutions for carbon capture and abatement, delivering profitable outcomes for stakeholders. We’re the first to market with a CCU solution, proven at commercial scale that can deliver the requisite cultivation rates for algae protein.

Our technology converts industrial CO₂ emissions into valuable products —  like algae protein that be used for multiple purposes — saving emitters money, mitigating liabilities, and supporting compliance programmes — and generating significant revenue streams.

To find out more, contact us today.

[1] See “Algae as a potential source of protein: A review on cultivation, harvesting, extraction, and applications”, Ijaola, et al (2024)