The algae during the lab process
When we think of pragmatic environmental and sustainability solutions, most of us tend to think of renewable energy like solar, wind, and electric. But what if crude oil could remain among that list? Last Tuesday in the City of Altamonte Springs, FL, international environmental engineering firm AECOM demonstrated a groundbreaking technology that actually transforms wet waste into sustainable “zero carbon” biocrude and biogas.
This game changing technology originally aimed at keeping Florida’s lakes and waterways cleansed of toxic algal blooms and other biosolids. AECOM’s innovative algae processing harvester, the first of its kind, has been operating in Tallahassee and other Florida locations for some time now, yielding promising results. The idea is that the machine takes in lake water, removes the algae, and recycles it back into the lake. Algae-filled water goes in, and crystal-clear water comes out. The very same algae are then recycled to create “green” products, like Biofoam water shoes, and “green” fertilizers. Now, after expanding its R&D and partnering with Genifuel, AECOM has developed and successfully launched the pilot demonstration of its patented Hydrothermal Processor at the Altamonte Springs Water Reclamation Facility in Seminole County, FL. (Click here to watch a local TV News story.)
Inside the laboratory on wheels. Courtesy, AECOM
The significance of this program cannot be understated. At 15 million dry tons annual production in the US, municipal sludge and biowaste represents a substantial untapped resource for sustainable biofuel production. While this technology continues to be applied as a sustainable long-term solution for cleaning up toxic biowaste in Florida, the biofuel derived from the clean-up will go on to be used as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for use in supersonic jet airliners, among other modes of travel.
Pragmatic environmental solutions like these will help preserve Florida’s natural resources for generations to come, and we’re proud to see our great state standing at the forefront of this energy revolution. Imagine it: Clean water, clean travel, and sustainable fuel – for all Floridians.
See you on the road,
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 4-11-22
