Chile's quest for algae power is fueled by electric seaweed
In the laboratories of the University of Santiago, scientists are trying to convert algae into a reliable power source.
The field they work in is biophotovoltaics. This uses photosynthetic organisms such as seaweed to turn light into electricity. Scientists spread seaweed on electrodes of biophotovoltaic solar panels.
The project leader Federico Tasca said that algae use light to oxidize the water and release electrons in the process. These can be used in electric circuits.
Tasca explained that similar projects have been done before using microalgae. Microalgae are single-celled organisms. Seaweed, on the other hand, is a multicellular organism or macroalga.
Tasca acknowledged that the process is still not energy-efficient, but said "Macroalgae were more hardy and easier to harvest."
He said, "That is exactly what this investigation is all about. It's improving the efficiency of electricity production."
In some cases, seaweed can be used as an alternative to other materials. He said that it was a good way to power a lightbulb or LEDs.
Alejandra M. Moenne, the head of the marine biology department at University of Santiago, says that algae are still understudied.
"I have always said that alga is like a treasure chest hidden at sea. "They're full genes and molecules we don't yet know enough about. They could be used as medicine one day," Moenne said. (TV; Fabian Cambero, Kylie Madry and Alexander Smith; editing by Alexander Smith).
(source: Reuters)
