Lumiscarb: Decarbonizing the Energy Systems and the Atmosphere by CO2 Capture

Carbon dioxide makes up most of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland (57%) and around the world (70%). The energy-related CO2 emission increased to 37 billion tonnes in 2022 from 6 billion tonnes in 1950, linked mainly to energy generation through burning fossil fuels. Due to it, CO2 concentration in our atmosphere is rising at an alarming rate and stand at 415 ppm; there will be a catastrophic effect on the environment and living species, including human if its level exceeds 450 ppm. Ireland has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and becoming a net-zero greenhouse gas society by 2050. We need to capture CO2 and produce clean, sustainable fuels to meet this commitment.

Lumiscarb is a photobioreactor (PBR) that uses solar energy more efficiently than its predecessors to capture CO2 and convert it into bioenergy. It will effectively utilise each photon of the solar spectrum to improve the solar-to-bioenergy efficiency (≈15-18%) to overcome existing PBR efficiency and deployment limitations. Lumiscarb will produce microalgae in which production of 1 kg can fix 1.83-2.02 kg CO2. Lumiscarb’s innovative design is scalable and easily integrated into different decarbonising systems. It will enhance sustainable biofuel production that helps difficult-to-decarbonise areas such as freight transport, aviation, and industrial processes.