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Renewable Energy from Beach-Cast Seaweed: Calorific Power Heating Studies with Macroalgae.
Fernando Pinto Coelho1,2,3, Everardo Valadares de Sá Barreto Sampaio1, Márcio Gomes Barboza4
1Postgraduate Program in Energy and Nuclear Technologies, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE/PROTEN), National Nuclear Energy Commission, Recife 50740-540, Brazil.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 12, 2025
Summary
Macroalgae biomass deposited on Brazilian coasts can be a viable source for renewable energy. This study found its combustion capacity is comparable to sugarcane bagasse, offering a sustainable biofuel alternative.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Renewable Energy
- Biomass Valorization
Background:
- Brazilian coastlines experience regular macroalgae deposition.
- Current disposal in landfills leads to decomposition and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Macroalgae represent an underutilized natural resource for sustainable energy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the energetic potential of macroalgae biomass from the Maceió coast.
- To evaluate the combustion capacity of both aggregated macroalgae and derived pellet biofuel.
- To explore macroalgae as a source for low-impact renewable energy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 13 different macroalgae species.
- Calorimetric bomb methodology to determine heating value (MJ/Kg).
- Mass spectrophotometry to identify energetic chemical elements.
Main Results:
- Macroalgae biomass heating value was 8.82 MJ/Kg, similar to sugarcane bagasse (8.91 MJ/Kg).
- Pellet biofuel from macroalgae achieved 4823 Kcal/Kg, exceeding terrestrial biomass pellets by 1.2%.
- Identified key energetic chemical elements within the macroalgae.
Conclusions:
- Macroalgae biomass possesses significant potential for biofuel production.
- Marine macroalgae offer a sustainable alternative to traditional biomass fuels.
- This research supports the utilization of coastal macroalgae for thermal energy generation.
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