Project - Enzymdrevet CO2-fangst – Biobased Carbon Capture for Algae Production

Project period: November 2025 to June 2026

This project aims to develop a novel, enzyme-based technology for efficient CO₂ capture and utilization. By immobilizing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) on a high-surface gel, CO₂ from industrial point sources can be rapidly converted into bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) in aqueous systems. This approach enables circular resource use and opens new opportunities for sustainable food and feed production through microalgae cultivation.

The technology will be demonstrated in both lab and pilot scale using microalgae as a biological evaluation system. Bicarbonate provides a more stable and accessible carbon source for algae compared to gaseous CO₂, with potential to increase biomass productivity up to fivefold. Long-term, CA will be sourced from pig blood – an underutilized side stream in Danish slaughterhouse production – creating a valuable bioresource for green CO₂ capture.

The project is a collaboration between Lihme Protein Solutions (development of enzyme-immobilization gel), H2o Nordic (industrial water technology and scale-up expertise), and Teknologisk Institut (microalgae cultivation and process validation).

“Enzymdrevet CO₂-fangst” addresses climate challenges and supports Denmark’s leadership in biosolutions by combining green innovation with industrial applicability.

The project is funded by Biosolutions Zealand II through the Innovation Collaboration scheme with 3 partners (2 SMEs and 1 RTO) from Denmark.