Algae power

Age
Friday 20/11/2009 Page: 3

THREE of the dirtiest power stations in Australia's eastern states will take part in a trial to determine whether algae can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh will open today a research centre at-James Cook University, in Brisbane, and display the algal synthesiser, which captures flue emissions from coal and gas-fired power stations. When mixed with algae, the emissions form an oil-rich biomass that can be used in plastics, transport fuel and feed stock. Three coal-fired power stations, Victoria's Loy Yang A, NSW's Eraring power station and Tarong, in Queensland, will take part in the trial.