Algal Ambition - Algenie

Food Meets Climate Podcast with Simon Newstead

Nick Hazell, the founder of Algenie, shares his background and motivation in food and algae industries before moving to the potential of algae as a solution for carbon capture and the challenges of reducing the cost of algae production. Nick explains the evolution of algae production methods, from raceway ponds to photo-bioreactors, and introduces the helical photobioreactor developed by Algenie. He also highlights the importance of optimizing algae strains and the potential for algae to be used in various industries and applications. Nick envisions a paradigm shift where using more algae-based products can lead to carbon sequestration and a more sustainable future.

Takeaways

• Nick's background in the food and algae industries has motivated him to explore the potential of algae as a solution for carbon capture.

• The cost of algae production has been a major challenge, but Algenie is working on reducing costs through the development of the helical photobioreactor.

• Optimizing algae strains and production methods is crucial for maximizing productivity and creating valuable outputs.

• Algae has the potential to be used in various industries, from plastics to textiles, and can contribute to carbon sequestration.

• A paradigm shift is needed, where using more algae-based products can lead to carbon sequestration and a more sustainable future.

Sound bites

Nick: “If you can find an economic reason to make all of your stuff ultimately out of algae, then what you're doing is you're making it out of carbon dioxide.”

Nick: “The trick is making sure that every algal cell gets exactly the photons it needs when it needs it”

Nick: “The helical photobioreactor solves the manufacturing cost of the photobioreactor and could be the biggest invention I've ever worked on”

Timestamps

00:00

Nick's Background and Motivation

08:16

Introduction to Algenie and the historical context of Algae

13:54

The Potential of Algae for Carbon Capture

18:56

Reducing the Cost of Algae Production

27:42

Optimizing Algae Strains for Different Applications

35:22

A Paradigm Shift: Using More Algae-Based Products