Short Summary
Renewable Hydrogen
Fuel Production by Microalgal Photosynthesis
Anastasios Melis
99-06
EISG Project Title: Renewable Hydrogen
Fuel Production by Microalgal Photosynthesis
EISG Grant Number: 99-06
PIER Area: Renewable Energy Technologies
Principal Investigator: Anastasios Melis
Contact Information: (510) 642-8166 melis@nature.berkeley.edu
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Grant Amount: $75,000
Grant Term: 18 Months
Project
Description:
The purpose of this project is to research the feasibility of increasing hydrogen production from the photosynthesis of algae. Three promising methodologies will be investigated. The project will investigate the effect of shifting the chemical equilibrium of the reaction, modifications to the algae growth media and the effect of diurnal cycles.
Proposed Outcomes:
· Optimized methodology for producing hydrogen from algae and sunlight.
· Solution for stopping photosynthetic oxygen production during the hydrogen production phase which is important since the presence of oxygen prevents the formation of enzymes needed for the production of hydrogen.
Anticipated Benefits:
· Increase hydrogen production efficiency from the current 10% to 20% of the theoretical maximum.
· Establishment of a commercially sustainable H2 production methodology utilizing green algae and sunlight.