Carbon - from harm to benefit (HiHaCO2)

HiHaCO2 Carbon – from harm to benefit

Producing hydrogen, high-value compounds and nutrient-rich biomass from carbon dioxide emissions with the help of microalgae

In the HiHaCO2 Carbon – from harm to benefit -project, we are developing solutions that enable carbon dioxide emissions and wastewater from recirculating aquaculture systems to be used as a growth medium for microalgae. The aim is to convert emissions and side streams into green hydrogen, pigments and nutrient-rich biomass.

The project brings together applied chemistry, recirculating aquaculture, microalgae cultivation, smart sensors, IoT solutions and AI-based process modelling. The multidisciplinary work aims to generate new knowledge and practical solutions for carbon dioxide capture, the optimisation of microalgae cultivation, and the production of bio-based high-value compounds.

Carbon dioxide as a raw material for new growth

For microalgae cultivation, carbon dioxide is a valuable raw material, not merely an emission. Microalgae efficiently bind carbon dioxide into their biomass. However, providing sufficiently pure and consistent carbon dioxide to support microalgae growth has been a technological challenge. Carbon dioxide captured from industrial flue gases may also contain impurities that limit microalgae growth or restrict the further use of the biomass.

In the HiHaCO2 project, we are developing carbon dioxide capture using adsorbents based on biochar and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These materials make it possible to capture, store and release carbon dioxide in a controlled manner according to the needs of the microalgae cultivation process.

Microalgae combine carbon capture, water purification and high-value compounds

In the project, microalgae are cultivated in wastewater from recirculating aquaculture systems. Microalgae utilise the nutrients contained in the wastewater and can, at the same time, support nutrient recovery. When captured carbon dioxide is introduced into the culture, algal growth is enhanced.

Microalgae can be processed into several high-value products. In this project, particular attention is paid to:

• bio-photolytic hydrogen production,
• carotenoid pigments, and
• nutrient-rich biomass.

A digital twin supports the management of the biological process

Jamk's role in the project focuses on measuring microalgae cultivation, utilising process data and developing a digital twin together with the project partners. Growth conditions are monitored with sensors, and the data collected is used to build a model that helps us understand how lighting, nutrients, carbon dioxide and other growth conditions affect algal growth and the formation of high-value compounds.

In the future, the digital twin will make it possible to compare different cultivation conditions, optimise the process and support decision-making for different applications. This improves the opportunities to develop microalgae cultivation into a more controlled, efficient and industrially attractive production process.

Towards new circular economy business

The HiHaCO2 project supports the development of solutions related to the circular economy, carbon neutrality and high-value bioeconomy. The utilisation of side streams in industry and the bioeconomy creates opportunities for new products, services and business models.

The project results will strengthen Central Finland's expertise in carbon dioxide utilisation, microalgae technologies, hydrogen production and intelligent process management. At the same time, the project brings together expertise from higher education institutions, research and companies to develop new solutions for sustainable growth from carbon dioxide emissions and nutrient-rich side streams.

Would you like to learn more about the project? Get in touch!

Elja Kallberg
Senior Advisor
Institute of New Industry
School of Technology
+358 50 427 3078
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi