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Published on: August 14, 2020
Carbon capture in breweries using microalgae: Preliminary techno-economic insights for ruminant feed applications
Kira J Picknell1, Nature Poddar1, Mathieu Pernice1
1Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
Bioresource Technology
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Brewery waste like carbon dioxide (CO2) and spent grain can be used to grow microalgae for animal feed. Integrating algae cultivation with spent grain shows promise for a circular bioeconomy, reducing costs and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Bioeconomy
- Sustainable Resource Management
- Circular Economy Principles
Background:
- Breweries generate significant carbon dioxide (CO2) and brewers' spent grain (BSG), representing underutilized resources.
- Microalgae can capture CO2 and be cultivated into biomass suitable for ruminant feed.
- High production costs associated with microalgae cultivation systems limit economic viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a techno-economic analysis (TEA) of four different microalgae cultivation systems for a small to medium-sized brewery.
- To evaluate the economic feasibility of using brewery CO2 and BSG for microalgae production for animal feed.
- To assess the impact of reactor design and productivity on the overall economic outcome.
Main Methods:
- Techno-economic analysis (TEA) of four photobioreactor systems: bag (BPBR), vertical tubular (VPBR), thin-layer (TLPBR), and helical thin-layer (HEPBR).
- Assumed a brewery scale producing 3,000 hectoliters of beer annually, generating 10.2 tons CO2 and 26.4 tons dry BSG.
- Sourced equipment prices from supplier catalogues, quotes, and literature; assumed solar electricity at 0.20 AUD/kWh.
Main Results:
- Standalone algae cultivation for feed was economically unviable, exceeding $20 AUD/kg.
- Integrating microalgae cultivation with BSG reduced feed costs to below $10 AUD/kg.
- Helical thin-layer photobioreactor (HEPBR) scenarios showed improved economic feasibility with higher productivity, though outcomes remained sensitive to assumptions.
Conclusions:
- The integration of microalgae cultivation with brewery waste streams (CO2 and BSG) aligns with circular bioeconomy principles.
- This integrated approach offers a viable pathway for breweries to valorize waste products.
- Improved photobioreactor design, particularly HEPBR, can enhance the economic feasibility of microalgae production for sustainable agricultural applications.
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