Bio-Reactors: Algae as CO2-Eaters - DER SPIEGEL
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Bio-Reactors Algae as CO2-Eaters

Eliminating the CO2 that makes the Earth warmer sounds great -- but how? Hamburg politicians and scientists say algae could do the job. Others say they're dreaming.
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Chlorella hamburgensis: the micro-algae is just 20 millionths of a meter long.

Foto: E.on
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The idea would combine micro-algae production and the elimination of CO2 from power plant emissions.

Foto: Biozentrum Klein-Flottbek
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Pilot project: Algae swim in the panels, converting sunlight and CO2 to biomass.

Foto: SPIEGEL ONLINE
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This version has a different structure, but functions the same way.

Foto: SPIEGEL ONLINE
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The CO2 consumed by the algae comes from a nearby heating plant in the Hamburg neighborhood of Reitbrook.

Foto: SPIEGEL ONLINE
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The pilot project should help researchers optimize the technology.

Foto: SPIEGEL ONLINE
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Chlorella hamburgensis is accustomed to the light and heat levels of northern Germany.

Foto: SPIEGEL ONLINE
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The project cost 1 million euro, but some experts say it's got unrealistic goals -- it would take far too much algae to clean the average power plant's emissions.

Foto: SPIEGEL ONLINE
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