The Bromalgae project is summarized as a disruptive and innovative technology, rarely seen in the industry. Bromalgae has developed liquid trees, which contain living microalgae inside. These microorganisms have a carbon assimilation capacity 25 times greater than terrestrial trees. Microalgae are responsible for 75% of global CO2 fixation. They are found in both freshwater (reservoirs, lakes, rivers) and saltwater. Ecologically, they are classified as phytoplankton and are responsible for oxygenating the atmosphere, providing 50% of the oxygen we breathe.
The GarbiAir system is installed in urban areas with the highest emissions, such as zones with heavy vehicular traffic. A blower captures the surrounding air, which passes through pre-filters to remove suspended particles and harmful microorganisms that could affect the microalgae. The photobioreactor is fed with the CO2 and NOx from this air, which enters the system through bubbling, aiding in the system's agitation process, along with other essential nutrients in the medium and light. This process enables photosynthesis.
Using sensors, the concentrations of CO2 and NOx are continuously monitored. Two sensors are placed at the photobioreactor's entrance and exit to observe the difference in concentration. Depending on the weather conditions, the light intensity can be adjusted to optimize the photosynthetic process and prevent oxidative stress in the microalgal cells.
First GarbiAir pilot plant in Barakaldo (Bizkaia)
In June 2023, we inaugurated our first liquid microalgae vegetation system, GarbiAir, in Barakaldo. This first pilot plant will help us continue improving its design and allow us to further research the capture of CO2 and NO2 by the microalgae.
Second GarbiAir pilot plant in Bayonne (France)
In September 2022, a collaboration began with the municipality of Bayonne (France) and the Communauté d’Agglomération Pays Basque to test our innovative solution for capturing automobile emissions in real conditions. The installation of GarbiAir in Bayonne will allow us to validate the scientific principles of our system under different climatic conditions. This initial experiment will last between five and six months. It is funded by the Basque Government through its economic development agency SPRI and by the Communauté d’Agglomération Pays Basque.
The core of the technology used by Bromalgae is the amplification of the photosynthesis process. Bromalgae forces the microalgae, which act as "cell factories," to absorb atmospheric CO2 24 hours a day. This is achieved by providing a 24:0 light-dark photoperiod. The Bromalgae team has named this technology continuous photosynthesis.
Moreover, Bromalgae has its own design of photobioreactors, developed by its own Engineering Department. They are designed to handle volumes ranging from 100 Liters to 3,000 Liters.
Harvesting and drying is also carried out on-site through biomass centrifugation and drying. Once the processing is complete, the biomass is ready to be packaged and shipped.
-The photobioreactor of 100L capacity is made of food-grade stainless steel in a cylindrical shape. It features an internal LED lighting system and a bubbling agitation system using a 12 Nm3/h rubber diffuser.
-The photobioreactor 300 L capacity is made of PVC-glass in a cone shape in order to increase the volumetric area. It has an internal LED lighting system and a bubbling agitation system using a 12 Nm3/h rubber diffuser.
-The photobioreactor of 3,000 L capacity is made of food-grade polyethylene in a cylindrical shape. It includes an internal LED lighting system and a bubbling agitation system with nine independent rubber diffusers, each with a 12 Nm3/h flow rate.
Project TRL: TRL 9 - Actual system proven through successful mission operations
Main sector: Blue biotechnology