The Linde Group, a major supplier of CO2 in the U.S., has signed a multi-year deal with Sapphire Energy to jointly produce a cost-effective carbon dioxide (CO2) delivery system.
This system will help in supplying CO2 for large-scale algae-to-biofuel cultivation. Linde plays a major role in Sapphire Energy`s algae-to-biofuel production initiative, which is one of the numerous clean energy projects that the company is involved in.
The partnership will decrease the delivery costs of the CO2 for open-pond algae cultivation. Under the terms of the agreement, Linde will also supply CO2 to Sapphire Energy’s commercial demonstration plant located in Columbus, New Mexico.
A proprietary technology has been developed by Sapphire Energy to produce a clean alternative to fossil-based crude oil. The renewable crude from Sapphire Energy generates drop-in fuels such as gasoline and diesel, which are more compatible with current engines and infrastructure. The technology reduces nearly 70% of lifecycle carbon emissions than petroleum-based derivatives.
It has been estimated that a commercial algae-to-fuel manufacturing plant requires about 10,000 metric tons of CO2 each day. The Linde Group has vast experience in CO2 supply. The Organic CO2 for Assimilation by Plants project confirms the company’s capability in this area. In addition to supplying CO2, Linde plans, designs and builds pilot as well as commercial plants to collect CO2 from different sources, including chemical plants, power plants, biofuel and natural gas processing.