https://newsletter.en.creamermedia.com

NMMU develops biofuels technology using coal fines, algae

24th January 2014

By: Leandi Kolver

Creamer Media Deputy Editor

  

Font size: - +

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), in the Eastern Cape, has developed and patented a new technology to blend microalgae with fine coal particles that could further the realisation of a biofuels industry.

Through this technology, coal fines are mixed with microalgae in an irreversible process that naturally excludes some of the mineral particles, delivering a cleaner coal-based product named Coalgae that could be delivered using existing petroleum or petrochemicals infrastructure, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) said in a statement.

“By 2015, the government intends all transport fuels to be a blend, with biofuels making up at least 2% of the blend.  Coalgae exceeds this target,” the DST added.

Through the technology’s ability to combine the two feedstocks, only one process was needed to deliver the product, as opposed to two, while the technology would also reduce the logistical challenges of accessing blended biofuels, as well as the capital investments required for the blending and distribution infrastructure.

DST deputy director-general for research, development and innovation Mmboneni Muofhe would on Monday officially announce the NMMU Microalgae to Energy project.

Edited by Tracy Hancock
Creamer Media Contributing Editor

Comments

Showroom

M and J Mining
M and J Mining

M and J Mining are leading suppliers of physical support systems as used by the underground mining industry. Our selection of products are not...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Aqs image
AQS Liquid Transfer

AxFlow AQS Liquid Transfer (Pty) Ltd is an Importer and Distributor of Pumps in Southern Africa

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

UP showcases mining VR centre
UP showcases mining VR centre
16th April 2025

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.141 1.384s - 180pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now