Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH220100012
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Carbon Utilisation and Recycling. This Research Hub aims to develop technologies to transform carbon dioxide emissions from our energy and manufacturing sectors into valuable products and create pathways to market to drive industry transformation. This hub aims to achieve this by developing novel electro, thermo, and biochemical methods for converting CO2 from sectors that cannot easily avoid emissions and a technological pathway for CO2 recycling. The outcomes of this Hub a ....ARC Research Hub for Carbon Utilisation and Recycling. This Research Hub aims to develop technologies to transform carbon dioxide emissions from our energy and manufacturing sectors into valuable products and create pathways to market to drive industry transformation. This hub aims to achieve this by developing novel electro, thermo, and biochemical methods for converting CO2 from sectors that cannot easily avoid emissions and a technological pathway for CO2 recycling. The outcomes of this Hub are likely to be transformative for industry, the economy, and society in moving the fate of CO2 from pollutant to feedstock. The benefits to Australia are intended to be the stimulation of a new industry, a skilled workforce for this emerging industry and a contribution to meeting CO2 reduction targets.Read moreRead less
Multiscale geomechanical modelling of basin-scale CO2 storage. This project aims to develop innovative geomechanical models that will provide rapid assessments of the potential for reservoir deformation, including induced seismicity, during geological storage of CO2. The main expected outcome is a multiscale modelling approach that will help to identify storage locations at low risk for deformation and CO2 leakage in regions of little existing geomechanical data. The project will elucidate the .... Multiscale geomechanical modelling of basin-scale CO2 storage. This project aims to develop innovative geomechanical models that will provide rapid assessments of the potential for reservoir deformation, including induced seismicity, during geological storage of CO2. The main expected outcome is a multiscale modelling approach that will help to identify storage locations at low risk for deformation and CO2 leakage in regions of little existing geomechanical data. The project will elucidate the technical and commercial viability of CO2 storage in Australia’s Cooper-Eromanga basins and provide broad economic and environmental benefits by reducing the geomechanical uncertainties that provide a barrier to the global need to upscale carbon capture and storage.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200100326
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,231.00
Summary
Mass transfer enhancement for hydrate based carbon capture and cold storage. This project aims to generate the knowledge and techniques required to increase carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake in hydrate based carbon capture from current levels of 15.4% to up to 90% of its rated capacity. This marked improvement stems from identification of the mechanism of CO2-water mass transfer in CO2 hydrate formation and engineering of structurally modified porous hydrogels as the substrate of CO2 hydrates. Encapsu ....Mass transfer enhancement for hydrate based carbon capture and cold storage. This project aims to generate the knowledge and techniques required to increase carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake in hydrate based carbon capture from current levels of 15.4% to up to 90% of its rated capacity. This marked improvement stems from identification of the mechanism of CO2-water mass transfer in CO2 hydrate formation and engineering of structurally modified porous hydrogels as the substrate of CO2 hydrates. Encapsulation will be developed in a way that CO2 may be transported by CO2 hydrates in a concentrated form. Successful completion of the project will offer technical evaluation of a novel CO2 capture and transport solution with lower operational energy consumption and capital cost than incumbent carbon capture technologies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100098
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,000.00
Summary
A comprehensive gas/vapour sorption facility for the fast advancement of decarbonised energy technologies. Solutions to clean energy production, storage and use are critical to Australia’s prosperity, yet there is a significant lack of targeted research facilities for the development of the highly needed materials and technologies for powering a sustainable Australia. This facility will bring research efforts closer to practical solutions.
Responsive porous materials for the triggered release of stored target molecules. This project will create a new generation of ultraporous materials capable of releasing a valuable molecule, stored within their pores, when an external trigger is applied. The porous materials, including metal organic frameworks and porous aromatic frameworks, will have components incorporated within them that can respond to stimuli such as ultraviolet or visible light, microwave, ultrasound, or pH change, causing ....Responsive porous materials for the triggered release of stored target molecules. This project will create a new generation of ultraporous materials capable of releasing a valuable molecule, stored within their pores, when an external trigger is applied. The porous materials, including metal organic frameworks and porous aromatic frameworks, will have components incorporated within them that can respond to stimuli such as ultraviolet or visible light, microwave, ultrasound, or pH change, causing the stored target molecule to be released. Target molecules will include carbon dioxide, fertilisers, clean burning gaseous fuels and medicines.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100082
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,446.00
Summary
Impact of geochemical alteration on carbon dioxide stability in the subsurface. This project aims to investigate the reactive behaviour of carbon dioxide in sandstone rocks to improve the safety of carbon sequestration operations. The project will develop new techniques to link fluid flow behaviour and geochemistry analysis, using high resolution 3D microscopy within geologic samples. The results will demonstrate the level of stability and security of carbon dioxide in underground sandstone rock ....Impact of geochemical alteration on carbon dioxide stability in the subsurface. This project aims to investigate the reactive behaviour of carbon dioxide in sandstone rocks to improve the safety of carbon sequestration operations. The project will develop new techniques to link fluid flow behaviour and geochemistry analysis, using high resolution 3D microscopy within geologic samples. The results will demonstrate the level of stability and security of carbon dioxide in underground sandstone rocks, and lead to safer design of sequestration operations.Read moreRead less
Optimal Nutrient Requirements For Asparagopsis Cultivation
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$199,635.00
Summary
This project supports the Commonwealth Governments’ $8.1 million investment, administered by the FRDC, in the ‘National Hatchery Network for the commercialisation of seaweed production as a key input into feedstock to help reduce methane emissions.’
Two species of Asparagopsis are native to Australia: temperate A. armata and tropical A. taxiformis. Both produce bioactive compounds (bromoform) and when fed in small amounts to cattle and sheep they reduce methane emissions by up to 98 ....This project supports the Commonwealth Governments’ $8.1 million investment, administered by the FRDC, in the ‘National Hatchery Network for the commercialisation of seaweed production as a key input into feedstock to help reduce methane emissions.’
Two species of Asparagopsis are native to Australia: temperate A. armata and tropical A. taxiformis. Both produce bioactive compounds (bromoform) and when fed in small amounts to cattle and sheep they reduce methane emissions by up to 98% (Xi et al. 2018, Kinley et al. 2020): supplementing the diet of livestock with a small amount of Asparagopsis is seen as an important way of reducing global methane production (Beauchemin et al. 2022). The ‘tetrasporophyte’ phase of the life cycle is cultured in land-based facilities and considerable effort is focussed on understanding the optimal conditions for growing Asparagopsis to maximise biomass and bromoform productivity per unit culture system.
At present, most publications describing Asparagopsis culture utilise F2 medium or similar solutions including Provasoli Enriched Seawater (PES; Anderson 2005, Mihaila et al. 2023). As a result, most seaweed farmers utilise F2 media, as this is easily available as a pre-mixed, bulk solution. However, these media were designed to culture microalgae and likely do not contain optimal nutrient combinations or concentrations. F2 alone has 14 different constituents, all in varying concentrations, which could be tested and optimised specifically for the growth of Asparagopsis.
The impact of nutrient supply regimes – both macronutrients (nitrogen in different forms i. e. nitrate vs ammonium, and phosphate) and micronutrients (trace elements such as iron, and organic molecules i.e. vitamins, such as B12) – on growth of Asparagopsis tetrasporophytes is unknown. Understanding the interplay between nutrient ratios, uptake rates, and growth outcomes is crucial information for the industry. By potentially removing unused or harmful components from the medium or adjusting supply rates, industry can enhance the cost-effectiveness of large-scale cultivation. The nutrient uptake and usage information gathered in the project will also assist bioremediation and biofilter projects proposed using Asparagopsis (https://www.seaweedalliance.org.au/news/refocused-on-biofiltration).
We will focus initially on A. armata, the most cultivated Asparagopsis species in Australia (Jo Lane pers. comm) with four companies currently growing it: the IMAS team have strong expertise in culturing. A. armata. Following development, the successful growth medium recipe will be shared with ASSA’s tropical A. taxiformis culture facility at James Cook University. Time permitting, we will conduct trials to test whether the new recipe and nutrient supply regime enhances the growth of the tropical species.
References Andersen, R. A. (Ed.). (2005) Algal culturing techniques. Academic press: New York.
Kinley R.D., G. Martinez-Fernandez, M.K. Matthews, R. de Nys, M. Magnusson, N.W. Tomkins (2020) Mitigating the carbon footprint and improving productivity of ruminant livestock agriculture using a red seaweed, J. Clean. Prod. 259.
Li X., H.C. Norman, R.D. Kinley, M. Laurence, M. Wilmot, H. Bender, R. de Nys, N. Tomkins (2018) Asparagopsis taxiformis decreases enteric methane production from sheep, Anim. Prod. Sci. 58: 681–688.
Mihaila, A.A., Lawton, R.J., Glasson, C.R.K. et al. (2023) Early hatchery protocols for tetrasporogenesis of the antimethanogenic seaweed Asparagopsis armata. J Appl Phycol 35, 2323–2335.
Objectives: 1. Adjust the components and concentrations of existing nutrient enrichment media to create an optimal blend specifically tailored for Asparagopsis 2. Determine if the supply of nutrients (dosing regime) can be manipulated to maximise growth and minimise biofouling 3. Provide recipes and recommendations to the NHN handbook for use by industry partners. Read moreRead less
The Bigger Blue Potential For Asparagopsis: A Review Of The Potential For Blue Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus And Biodiversity Credits For The Australian Asparagopsis Seaweed Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$120,000.00
Summary
The project will provide a comprehensive and contemporary synthesis of relevant information on C, N& P uptake and B creation potential and existing and potential schemes which could be implemented to provide environmental benefits and commercial opportunities for the nascent industry to develop. It will involve: delivering a detailed review of existing research, theories and proposed policies for C, N&P and B schemes; producing a set of recommendations for regulators regarding scheme(s) implemen ....The project will provide a comprehensive and contemporary synthesis of relevant information on C, N& P uptake and B creation potential and existing and potential schemes which could be implemented to provide environmental benefits and commercial opportunities for the nascent industry to develop. It will involve: delivering a detailed review of existing research, theories and proposed policies for C, N&P and B schemes; producing a set of recommendations for regulators regarding scheme(s) implementation and operation; and identify potential environmental, social and economic benefits from successful schemes. Objectives: 1. Undertake a detailed literature review and summary of relevant published and grey literature, industry information and anecdotes on: science of C,N&P and B benefits of seaweed mariculture; credit/trading schemes for C,N&P and B structure and operation, implementation requirements. 2. Develop a recommended policy position for ASSA which can be used by ASSA to advocate and make clear recommendations to government on the potential for the Australian seaweed industry to benefit from the establishment of aligned credit schemes, as well as the potential accreditation of products. 3. Provide outlines of potential credit scheme(s) and implementation, including high-level SWOT analysis and cost-benefit indications. 4. Provide the above objectives and outcomes to ASSA/FRDC which can then be readily developed into regulator and other stakeholder communications outputs and tools (e.g. online formats). Read moreRead less
Formulate A Comprehensive Framework To Inform Relevant Regulatory Bodies On Safety Regulations And Legislation Pertaining To Food, Feed, And Other Forms Of Bioproducts Of Asparagopsis Spp. And Other Seaweeds Of Key Interest To The Australian Seaweed
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$190,000.00
Summary
The need for the project is evident due to several factors:
Emergence of Asparagopsis: Asparagopsis, with its potential as a livestock feed ingredient and has sparked significant interest and investment from both private and public sectors. This indicates a growing momentum within the Australian seaweed industry, particularly in the context of its diverse applications.
Lack of Seaweed Specific Regulatory Information: Despite the increasing interest in Asparagopsis and other sea ....The need for the project is evident due to several factors:
Emergence of Asparagopsis: Asparagopsis, with its potential as a livestock feed ingredient and has sparked significant interest and investment from both private and public sectors. This indicates a growing momentum within the Australian seaweed industry, particularly in the context of its diverse applications.
Lack of Seaweed Specific Regulatory Information: Despite the increasing interest in Asparagopsis and other seaweed products, there is a noticeable absence of comprehensive safety regulatory information. This gap in regulatory oversight poses potential risks to both animal and human health, as well as challenges for industry stakeholders in ensuring product safety and compliance.
The existence of small but growing production of seaweed for human consumption ( e.g. Ecklonia sp & Ulva spp) within Australia and Australian waters, that has faced significance difficulties in some states due to divergent legislation and a lack of knowledge amongst regulators on what is required currently and what could be required with regard to, actual food safety hazards and existing regulation interpretation. It is noted that some industry members have moved states, to more easily establish and expand their seaweed business.
Goal of Regulatory Synergy and Gap Filling: The project aims to address the identified regulatory gaps by collecting relevant information from different regulatory bodies. and reviewing and comparing existing regulatory requirements and industry guidelines. The project seeks to provide clarity and guidance for regulatory and industry participants to make clear and rewrite the industry requirements.
Alignment with FRDC Strategy: The project aligns closely with the strategy outlined by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). Specifically, it supports Strategy V, which focuses on providing foundational information and support services for the growth and prosperity of the industry. Additionally, the project's outcomes directly contribute to FRDC's goals of promoting best practices and production systems, as well as fostering community trust, respect, and value in the Australian seaweed industry. By initiating investigations and assessments focused on Asparagopsis as a livestock feed ingredient and other seaweed species as a human food, the project not only addresses immediate regulatory gaps but also lays the groundwork for sustainable growth within the seaweed industry. This strategic alignment with FRDC's priorities underscores the project's significance in driving enduring prosperity, promoting best practices, and enhancing community trust and value in the Australian seaweed industry.
Objectives: 1. Develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to highlight gaps within Australian regulations regarding the domestic seaweed sector, which could be used in the future to ensure adherence to safety standards with regard to livestock feed and human consumption. 2. Increase Awareness and Understanding by publishing key gaps within Australian regulations, with regard to understanding by all regulators and stakeholders via webinars, public workshops, conferences and private meetings. 3. To Collaborate and engage regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders to share information, address gaps and streamline processes. 4. Document Risk Management strategies to address potential hazards associated with Asparagopsis and other seaweed species as stock feed and for food safety in processing of the seaweed for human consumption. Read moreRead less