Ramzi Cherad

Interdisciplinary MSc/PhD in the Doctoral Training Centre for Low Carbon Technologies

Project Title: Improving the Sustainability of Algal Biofuels by Integrating Supercritical Gasification and Nutrient Recycling from Macroalgae

My research will focus on the potential for using supercritical water gasification of macroalgae to produce a high quality syngas whilst producing a suitable nutrient supply for cultivation of microalgae.

In line with the UK’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the focus on the use of biomass as an alternative feedstock to fossil fuels is intensifying. Biomass is being utilized for power generation, production of bio-oil for transport, and chemical commodities. Two of the main issues of biomass utilisation are security of supply and the development of an infrastructure capable of maintaining the supply of biomass of sufficient quality. There is concern that the amount of biomass required to make a significant impact on CO2 reduction will be governed by supply. Hence alternative biomass resources including biomass from an aquatic environment are being investigated.

Marine macroalgae is a source of aquatic biomass and potentially represents a significant source of renewable energy with an advantage of not standing in direct competition with food production. The average photosynthetic efficiency of aquatic biomass is 6–8%, theoretically 10%, which is much higher than that of terrestrial biomass (1.8–2.2%). Either microalgae or marine macroalgae (kelp or seaweed) could be used for solar energy conversion and biofuel production.

The two inter-disciplinary MSc research projects in the first year have helped prepare me for the demands of a PhD. I have further benefited from attending conferences, ethics workshops, lectures and discussions to get an understanding of the broader picture of my research aim. Some of the modules I undertook in my first year include: Business, Environment and Sustainability; International Politics and the Environment; Environmental Law; Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations; and World Politics and the Environment.