This cooperation will see the companies join forces to develop cost-efficient technologies that capture, store, transport and supply CO₂ for Algenol’s proprietary process for the production of third-generation (3G) biofuels out of CO₂, salt water and algae, as well as remove oxygen from the photobioreactor.

The research collaboration builds on a process developed by Algenol Biofuels and other partners. This method utilizes algae, CO₂, salt water and sunlight to directly produce 3G bioethanol and other 3G biofuels or biochemicals in photobioreactors.

Linde has a large body of experience in the cost-efficient supply of CO₂ for recycling applications. The OCAP project (organic CO₂ for assimilation by plants) in the Netherlands is an example. Here, Linde supplies more than 500 greenhouses covering a total area of 1,500 hectares with CO₂ transported by pipeline from a refinery. The higher concentrations of CO₂ enable the greenhouse crops to grow much faster. Linde also works with leading energy groups to develop, plan and build pilot facilities for capturing and storing CO₂ from power plant processes.