Integration of algal bio-manufacturing with locally sourced renewable energy is a world first and will demonstrate a new economic model to help meet Scotland’s ambitious energy strategy targets.
Multiple income streams, from energy generation, grid balancing services and sales of algal products, will improve viability of fragile rural economies.
Now the Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Energy Agency (ALI-Energy) has received funding from the Rowntree Trust’s Sustainable Future Programme to help support the ASLEE project.
ASLEE – Algal Solutions for Local Energy Economy – is a new solution to electric grid constraints and economic viability issues for renewable energy projects.
It uses a ‘circular economy’ model to overcome intermittent energy supply issues and provide a grid balancing service, coupling electricity generation with an algal manufacturing process – whilst also creating a valuable product from local waste streams.
ASLEE aims to boost the economy in rural Scotland by using renewable power to produce high value micro-algae.
Algae production has an immediate niche in Scotland’s aquaculture industries – for hatchery use and addition to fish feeds – but can also be used for a wide range of products, including biofuels.
The ASLEE project is holding a free-to-attend, one–day conference – Empowering Rural Industries on 20 March 2017 at the Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow.
For more information: http://www.alienergy.org.uk/localenergychallengefund/
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