• Joint project with Jacobs University and the Juelich Research Centre to investigate intelligent form of CO₂ use
  
• R&D projects an important component in RWE’s climate protection strategy

The world’s most progressive algae growing plant for CO₂ conversion was commissioned today at Niederaussem, Germany. In the presence of North Rhine-Westphalia’s State Premier Dr Jürgen Rüttgers, Dr Jürgen Großmann, CEO of RWE AG, Dr Johannes Lambertz, CEO of RWE Power, District Administrator Werner Stump and representatives of the organisations involved officially launched the project.

In the course of his address, the State Premier stressed that more power generation from renewables, highly efficient coal-fired power plants and innovative climate protection was required. “Today, the renewable energy sector already employs 18,500 people. We are leaders in fuel-cell and hydrogen technology, and are the German hub in gas supply.” The State Premier paid tribute to the “Coal Innovation Centre” at Niederaussem with its algae-production plant as proof that coal and climate protection are no “either-or decision”. “Using modern technology, we can increase energy efficiency and also protect our environment from harmful emissions. We are setting market trends and securing competitive jobs.”

“Our algae project shows yet again that we at RWE have the energy to lead in climate protection. In contrast to others, we do not simply want to store CO₂ underground. We’re looking for ways to make use of this substance for other forms of power generation,” explained Dr Juergen Grossmann. To this end, RWE is, on the one hand, focussing on means to reduce CO₂ that are already available and effective. These include, above all, the construction of new power stations as in Hamm, Lingen or Neurath, which can avoid emissions of nearly nine million tons of CO₂ compared with older stations, and the development of renewables. On the other hand, the company is driving research and development forward. A case in point is the pilot algae plant to examine opportunities for CO₂ use.

For the planning, research and implementation of this project, RWE has entered agreements with renowned partners such as the Jacobs University, Bremen, the Juelich Research Centre and the Phytolutions company. The aim is to optimise the entire process chain from algae production to the final product. In a trial plant measuring some 600 m², the algae are “fed” with flue gas from the power plant. Possible use of the resulting algae waste – e.g. as biofuel – is to be investigated.

The concept is based on the biochemical process of photosynthesis in which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. By comparison with land plants, however, micro-algae have a growth rate that is seven to ten times higher. The consequence: faster growth means greater photosynthesis capacity and, hence, higher carbon dioxide consumption. “It is important not only to think of carbon reduction and storage in geological formations, but also to explore options for intelligent use. This micro-algae R&D project is a first step,” RWE’s CEO stressed.

RWE is also thinking about using CO₂ as carbon carrier in the chemical industry, for direct or indirect cooling in the transportation sector or as cleaning agent. Grossmann said: “In today’s difficult economic times, we need more enthusiasm for technical progress and for new opportunities.”

With a view to climate protection, Grossmann also emphasised the need to build new coal-fired power stations. In order to carry out these projects, though, companies require greater public acceptance and fair conditions in the European Emissions Trading Scheme. He thanked policymakers in North Rhine-Westphalia for their constructive and active support for RWE – the biggest investor in power plant construction in Germany with a total volume of more than €4.5 billion.