CPI launches seaweed bio-methane project

The AD process produces methane through bacterial breakdown in the absence of oxygen. It has traditionally used agricultural and food wastes, as well as crops such as maize and beet. But by using farmed seaweed as a replacement, the project hopes to create a stable and sustainable supply chain, freeing up farmland at the same time.

Alongside the CPI, other partners involved in the project include The Crown Estate, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Queen’s University Belfast and Newcastle University.

The £2.78m in funding has been awarded as part of the Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst, set up in 2014 to support UK researchers and companies in bringing their biotechnology innovations to market.

”This project brings together a powerful consortium that, for the first time ever, joins up the expertise and facilities needed to develop a methodology and commercial rationale for exploiting the UK’s seabed as a source of sustainable biomass and renewable energy” said Steve Broome, head of business and projects – AD at CPI.