Olaf Kruse: Bioenergy from microalgae

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Olaf Kruse: The algae researcher wants to develop a holistic approach to the production of green energy. Quelle: Kruse

27.07.2009  - 

How does one extract energy from unicellular algae? This is the issue that has occupied Olaf Kruse for many years, and today he has taken his area of speciality well beyond pure basic research. Since this summer, the biologist has headed the newly established Chair of Algal Biotechnology and Bioenergy, created by the University of Bielefeld together with Bielefeld public services. His goal: the extraction of energy from algae at a competitive price.

In terms of sustainability, Olaf Kruse is convinced that algae-energy is just about unbeatable. Microalgae are unicellular plant-like organisms that photosynthesise, thereby converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into biomass. Recyclable materials and active substances, as well as energy, can be extracted from this biomass. Because algae absorb huge amounts of CO2, which is later released during energetic application, energy from algae – in contrast to conventional energy sources – is CO2-neutral, and could therefore serve as a substitute for fossil fuels. In addition, algae do not compete with food production, argue the researchers. Alongside partners, Kruse is working on establishing improved strains of microalgae. Depending on the specific genetic modification, algae can produce energy in the form of biodiesel, biogas or hydrogen. The biggest problem for algae research, however, remains the low efficiency and high production costs associated with the approach. Aided by a two-stage biorefinery concept, Kruse is hoping to produce bioenergy at a competitive price. "In a first step, we isolate commercially interesting ingredients, which we can sell at a profit," says the professor. In a second step, the researcher wants to use the resulting biomass for energy extraction. "Our algae diesel cannot compete on price terms with fuel from rape, because the arable plant is heavily subsidised," says Kruse. But that will soon change.

Algal biotechnology lifted from a niche

Thus, Kruse is coordinating the international "Solar Biofuels Consortium", which is aiming at driving forward bio-energy production from algae towards "commerciability". Thereby, he is working closely with colleagues from the University of Karlsruhe and the University of Münster, as well as international partners such as the University of Queensland (Australia) and Imperial College London (United Kingdom), all of whom share a goal of developing a profitable algae-energy facility. The Australians are occupied with the search for new species of algae. In Bielefeld, Münster and London, the researchers are utilising their molecular-biological know-how in the search for new and interesting substances. In turn, the group of engineers in Karlsruhe headed by Clemens Posten are pursuing the development of a low-cost bioreactor.

Left: Light microscopic image of the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Right: Small laboratory photo bioreactors, in which algae grow.Quelle: Kruse

Alage for bioenergy extraction is no longer niche research. Only recently, the American oil company ExxonMobil announced that they are investing 600 million dollars in a new algae bioenergy research program (see the press release here), which will be managed by American genetics pioneer Craig Venter and his start-up company Synthetic Genomics. Other big companies are also taking a keen interest in the approach. "Shell only recently brought an algae production facility into operation in Hawaii," says Kruse, adding that: "Even BP, EON, and REW have recognised the tremendous potential of these little green creatures, and are exploring commercial exploitation." A push forward in this area is clearly evident, thinks Kruse. "The next few years will show whether algae power is promising."

Enthusiasm inflamed in London

Kruse's stint as a postdoc at Imperial College in London had a strong influence on the German scientist. It was here that his enthusiasm for algae research really took off. His mentor, James Barber – a top international researcher in the field of photosynthesis – also taught him to think in economic terms, and globally. "Barber is a perfectionist of scientific management," says Kruse. "I acquired a lot from him, and am therefore able to network international research groups extremely well." After London and his subsequent doctorate at the University of Bielefeld, Kruse made a small detour to the European Science Foundation in Strasbourg. "Suddenly I was sitting on the other side of the table, and was awarding the funding," remembers the algae researcher. Now he knows perfectly well what makes Brussels tick - this insider's knowledge still brings enormous advantages. Nevertheless, after half a year in Strasbourg, the University of Bielefeld put forward the attractive proposal of an unscheduled professorship and an independent working group. In May 2009 he was finally appointed as a W3 Professor for the new Chair of Algal Biotechnology and Bioenergy, which was created together with Bielefeld public services.

Author: Andrea van Bergens