Exploring Sargassum Storage for Biofuel Conversion
Sargassum mats piled up on beaches release hydrogen sulfide as they decompose. The gas smells like rotten eggs; it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and have a negative impact on tourism, the primary economic driver in many locations. The mats must then be removed, often by hand, where they go to landfills and decompose, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
To turn this nuisance into a resource, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is exploring the potential of processing sargassum for conversion to biofuel. The team is working with affected communities and starting with the question of how to store the stuff. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), which supports INL’s Algae Feedstock Logistics and Handling project.