A scheme to use algae to both capture carbon from an oil refinery and create biofuel at the same time has been created by students at Strathclyde university.
Team Aspire came up with the idea as part of BP’s Ultimate Field Trip 2012 competition.
The team, made up of Guy Drori, Simonas Stilius and Edward Kay, impressed the judges and celebrity space science doctor, Dr Kevin Fong, with their idea on how to create the world’s first zero carbon dioxide oil refinery by 2030.
The idea is to provide optimal conditions for algae to photosynthesise, using flue gas from an oil refinery as a source of carbon dioxide. As well as providing a system for carbon capture, the algal biomass could also provide a source of profit; with products ranging from bio-fuels to pharmaceuticals.
More than 730 students applied to take part in the competition. The prize is a paid six-week internship to Trinidad and Tobago and the US Gulf of Mexico.
Team Aspire will begin their internship in July, working on a real business challenge, experiencing life offshore, visiting BP’s operations in Trinidad and Tobago and enjoying some time out in New Orleans.
Students considering entering next year’s competition should visit www.bp.com/fieldtrip.