The Role of R& D Institutions in Developing Bio-economy in ECO Region

Presented in

2nd International Conference on Energy, Regional Integration and Socio-Economic Development

October 1-3, 2014

Baku, Azerbaijan

By

Prof.Ahmad Akbari

Dr.Mahmoud Molanejad

Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)

1. Introduction

Countries in the ECO region, like the rest of the world, need to develop new technologies and practices which respond to the challenges of climate change and scarcity of natural resources. The high cost of energy, the finite supply of traditional raw materials and clean water, the setting of international emissions reduction targets, and the increasing demand from consumers for sustainable goods, are all driving a global demand for new products, services, technologies and solutions in the Bio-economy. This economy reduces inputs, minimize waste and improve production processes which help stimulate technological innovation, boost employment in the fast developing ‘green technology’ sector, open up new export markets and benefit consumers through more sustainable products. R& D institutions play a central role in achieving the Bio-economy by developing technologies which reduce the costs of the existing environmentally sustainable technologies and delivering the new resource-efficient ones. In this regard, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology has developed a number of new “green” technologies and products including the national project of "Bioenergy production from a new microalgae species to obtain bioactive ingredient and its application for animal and human consumption” and several other clean energy technologies.This strain of microalgae was isolated from mangrove forests in the northern part of the Persian Gulf which is suitable for large- scale biofuel production due to its high biomass and oil content. In this context, the paper would focus on clean technologies developed by IROST and their impact on sustainable economy and environment.

2. Objectives

The objectives of this presentation are in connection with the use of green technologies focusing on economic resources, technology advantages and a reduction of CO2 emissions including the following:

Saving natural resources at large

Making use of the existing resources efficiently by recycling the by-products from other industries and the resources used for generating energy

Reducing reliance on fossil fuel use by developing new means of generating energy and energy efficiency

Reducing the harmful impacts of current energy production and consumption methods which produce waste and pollution in order to improve health and environment

Promoting economic development by expanding the development of renewable energy technologies and techniques which make use of environmental resources, encourages efficient resource management to capitalize on the strengths of the countries

Contributing significant employment through introducing new green technologies and enhancing the production of new knowledge-based products by manufacture, installation, management and maintenance of these initiatives

3. Advantages of Green Technology Development

Sustainability- meeting the needs of society in ways that can continue indefinitely into the future without damaging or depleting natural resources. In short, meeting present needs without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

“Cradle to Cradle” Design- ending the “cradle to grave” cycle of manufactured products by creating products that can be fully reclaimed or re-used.

Source Reduction-reducing waste and pollution by changing patterns of production and consumption

Innovation- developing alternatives to technologies- whether fossil fuel or chemical intensive agriculture-that have been demonstrated to damage health and the environment.

Variability- creating a center of economic activity around technologies and products that benefit the environment, speeding their implementation and creating new careers that truly protect the planet.

Energy- perhaps the most urgent issue for green technology, this includes the development of alternative fuels, new means of generating energy and energy efficiency.

Green chemistry-the invention, design and application of chemical products and processes to reduce or to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Green nanotechnology-nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the scale of the nanometer, one billionth of a meter. Some scientists believe that mastery of this subject is forthcoming that will transform the way that everything in the world is manufactured. “Green Nanotechnology” is the application of green chemistry and green engineering principles to this field.

4. Green Energy Potentials in Iran

The share of green energy in producing electricity is currently about 3 percent, but has a potential to increase to 38 percent in 2030. The share can even go higher to 57 percent if energy is used more efficiently in all sectors which will reduce demand for electricity. According to Renewable Energy Headquarters’ report, the following targets for using renewable energy sources in Iran are proposed.

Wind: 6500 MW

Hydro: 90 MW in 15 years

Solar and PV: 5 MW in independent power generating plants and 30 MW in power

generating plants connected to network

10,000 solar water heaters are produced and installed

One power generating plant with 100 MW capacity

More than 2 MW PV electricity is generated

Biomass: 137 mbo

Geothermal: 200 MW in 10 years

5. Iran’s Green Energy Development Objectives

Iran intends to access the technologies pertaining the production and use of green energy resources in order to align itself with sustainable development objectives in Iran. With the development of green energy resources, Iran would be able to generate as much as 2,000 MW electricity by the end of the Fifth Four Year Development Plan (2010-2015). According to the objectives set forth in the 20-Year Outlook, Iran should become a regional power in terms of production and use of green energy resources by 2025. The objectives envisaged in the plan are as follows:

Electricity generated from green energy sources should account for 10 percent of the total electricity generated in the country

Security of the country’s energy network should be assured through diversifying energy resources in the energy basket

The environmental conservation should be promoted through reducing ecological pollution

Policy-making strategies in green energy resources should be improved

The country’s capabilities in the field of green energy resources should be optimized

More financial supports should be provided for research, development and creating technical knowledge in order to improve competency of green energy sources with other sources of energy

6. Green Technology Development

6.1. Microalgae Technology for Biofuel Production

6.1.1. Introduction

One of the most serious environmental problems today is the “Global Warming” caused primarily by the heavy use of fossil fuels. Microalgae which are a diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms are potential candidates for using excessive amounts of CO2 to produce energy and chemical components with the presence of sunlight. Microalgae as sunlight-driven cell factories are able to convert carbon dioxide to potential biofuels, foods, feeds and high-value bioactives.

Algal biofuel is an ideal biofuel candidate which eventually can replace petroleum-based fuel due to several advantages, such as high oil content, high production, less land, etc. Microalgae have the potential to produce 5,000 –15,000 gallons of biodiesel per acre per year.

6.1.2. Green Energy Production from Microalgae

Microalgae are mainly composed of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and can provide several different types of green energy: The lipid content of algal oil can be processed into biodiesel, its carbohydrates into ethanol and its protein into human nutritional supplements, animal and aqua feed and can also provide biogas and fertilizers by anaerobic digestion of the algal biomass.

6.1.3. Comparison of Yield Projection for Some Natural Sources of Biodiesel

Algae have numerous advantages over terrestrial plants:

They use solar energy with efficiencies 10 times higher compared with terrestrial plants, fixing higher quantities of CO2.

They can grow in fresh, salty waters and even in wastewaters.

They can be used as metal absorbers (Cu, Cd) in wastewater treatments.

Algae harvesting can be performed after a few days once the culture has started, which does not occur with crops.

Flue gases from power plants can be directly used in algae culture, recovering carbon and nitrogen dioxides.

Algae production systems can be installed in surfaces next to industries and in non-cultivable surfaces, avoiding competition for the lands.

Several studies affirm that more quantities of oil can be obtained from microalgae compared from oilseeds.

6.1.4. Algal Biomass Production from Raw Materials

Algal biomass contains three main components: carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids/natural oils. For algae to grow, a few relatively simple conditions have to be met: light, carbon source, water, nutrients and a suitably controlled temperature. Algae are traditionally cultivated either in open ponds, known as high rate ponds (HRP), or in enclosed systems known as photobioreactors.

6.1.5. The Products of Microalgae Technology

The produced biomass composes of over half of algae products and their potential uses in biofuels (bio jet, gasoline, biodiesel, and high-quality diesel), pharmaceuticals (anti-aging products), chemical industry, and biomass power generation.

Biofuels

-Bio Jet

-Gasoline

-Biodiesel

-High Quality Diesel

Anti-Aging Products Containing :

-Nutraceutical enriched by Fe, Ca, & Selenium

-Therapeutic protein

-Phycocyanin, Lutein

-Powder/cap Dunaliella (Provitamin A -β Carotene)

-Astaxanthin Capsules, Omega 3

6.1.6. IROST Microalgae Technology

IROST has been engaged in development of green technologies for several years in order to replace fossil fuel use with carbon neutral fuels securing a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by different nations. One of the technologies developed by IROST in this regard is the microalgae technology for biofuel production. IROST has been involved in research on microalgae and Cyanobacteria since 2002 for which the Persian Gulf Biotechnology Research Center was established in Qeshm Island. The project of biofuel production from a new species of microalgae was among the 37 national projects approved by the Iranian Higher Council for Science, Research and Technology in 2010.In this project, IROST scientists used naturally sourced strain of algae isolated from mangrove forests in the northern part of the Persian Gulf in Iran which proved to be suitable for large-scale production, due to its high biomass and oil content.

Through IROST’s pilot scale results (25,000 L open pond), it was estimated that this strain has the capability to produce around 240 tons/hectare biomass and 120,000 L. of algae oil, hectare/ year. The cultivation process was done in an open pond by seawater and under direct sunlight.

Microalgae Pilot Plant-IROST 2009 Microalgae Pilot Plant-Qeshm Islamd 2002

Microalgae pilot plant-IROST 2009 Microalgae pilot plant-IROST 2009

6.1.7. IROST Open Ponds Design

IROST cultivation process was developed in an open pond, with sea water and direct sunlight. Open ponds are the oldest and simplest systems for mass cultivation of microalgae. In this system, the shallow pond is usually with about 1 foot deep; algae are cultured under conditions identical to the natural environment. The pond is usually designed in a “raceway” or “track” configuration, in which a paddlewheel provides circulation and mixing of the algal cells and nutrients.

Cultivation processes are broken up into blocks called fields.

Each field is almost 100 hectare contains the reactor beds, algae inoculation and nutrient source, CO

2 source, circulation pumps, and harvest sumps.

Each field contains 300 x 3000 m² reactor bed.

6.1.8. The process of Microalgae Conversion into Biofuel

The process of conversion of algae into biofuels has been presented in the flow chart below. This includes feeding CO2 to open ponds containing algae mass so that after the conversion process, the biofuel or green diesel is produced.

6.1.9.

Production Capacity T/h/y

T/h/yAverage productivity

240Biomass120Oil41Carbohydrate in

the rest of Biomass (40%)Ethanol

400CO2 sequestration48Feed Additive

6.1.10. Commercialization of IROST Microalgae Technology

During June 2014, an agreement was made between IROST, Rosemond and Saff-Rosemond Engineering & Management Group of Companies regarding the transfer of biofuel production technology from microalgae. Under this agreement, IROST agreed to transfer the technical know-how of biofuel production from microalgae to the mentioned investors. It is notable that this agreement led to the establishment of Qeshm Microalgae Biofinery (QMAB) Co. in Iran which is considered the first and largest microalgae biotechnology company in the Middle East. QMAB is dedicated to cultivate unique and patented microalgae species in order to deliver the most advanced innovations, technologies and bio-products to pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, food and biofuel industries.

IROST Project Perspective

6.2. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

6.2. 1.Introduction

Hydrogen is high in energy, yet an engine that burns pure hydrogen produces almost no pollution. NASA has used liquid hydrogen since the 1970s to propel the space shuttle and other rockets into orbit. Hydrogen fuel cells power the shuttle's electrical systems, producing a clean byproduct - pure water, which the crew drinks.

A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water. Fuel cells are often compared to batteries. Both convert the energy produced by a chemical reaction into usable electric power. However, the fuel cell will produce electricity as long as fuel (hydrogen) is supplied, never losing its charge.

Fuel cells are a promising technology for use as a source of heat and electricity for buildings, and as an electrical power source for electric motors propelling vehicles. Fuel cells operate best on pure hydrogen. But fuels like natural gas, methanol, or even gasoline can be reformed to produce the hydrogen required for fuel cells. Some fuel cells even can be fueled directly with methanol, without using a reformer.

In the future, hydrogen could also join electricity as an important energy carrier. An energy carrier moves and delivers energy in a usable form to consumers. Renewable energy sources, like the sun and wind, can't produce energy all the time. But they could, for example, produce electric energy and hydrogen, which can be stored until it's needed. Hydrogen can also be transported (like electricity) to locations where it is needed.

6.2.2. What is a Fuel Cell?

A Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water and heat as its by-product.

6.2.3. Why is Fuel Cell Technology Important? Since conversion of the fuel to energy takes place via an electrochemical process,

not combustion.

It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient process- two to three times more efficient than fuel burning.

6. 2.4. How does a Fuel Cell work?

It operates similarly to a battery, but it does not run down nor does it require recharging.

As long as fuel is supplied, a fuel cell will produce both energy and heat. Individual fuel cells can then be placed in a series to form a fuel cell stack. The stack can be used in a system to power a vehicle or to provide stationary

power to a building.

6.2.5. Major Types of Fuel Cells

In general, all fuel cells have the same basic configuration - an electrolyte and two electrodes .Different types of fuel cells are classified by the kind of electrolyte used. The type of electrolyte used determines the kind of chemical reactions that take place and the temperature range of operation.

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Direct Methanol (a subset of PEM) Phosphoric Acid Molten Carbonate Solid Oxide Alkaline

6.2.6. Importance of Hydrogen Fuel Cells require highly purified hydrogen as a fuel. Researchers are developing a wide range of technologies to produce hydrogen

economically from a variety of resources in environmentally friendly ways. Hydrogen is a secondary energy resource, meaning it must be made from

another fuel. Hydrogen can be produced from a wide variety of energy resources including:

Fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal Nuclear energy Renewable resources, such as solar, water, wind and biomass

6.2.7. Hydrogen Production There are three general categories of Hydrogen production including:

Thermal Processes Electrolyte Processes Photolytic Processes

6.2.8. Hydrogen Production Challenges The biggest challenge regarding hydrogen production is the cost. Reducing the cost of hydrogen production so as to compete in the transportation

sector with conventional fuels on a per-mile basis is a significant hurdle to fuel cell’s success in the commercial marketplace.

6.2.9. How Can Fuel Cell Technology Be Used?

Transportation Stationary Power Stations Telecommunications Micro Power

TransportationAutomakers and experts are currently trying to commercialize highly efficient fuel cell vehicles in different parts of the world.

50 fuel cell buses are currently in use in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Trains, planes, boats, scooters, forklifts and even bicycles are utilizing fuel cell technology as well.

Stationary Power Stations

Over 2,500 fuel cell systems have been installed all over the world in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, office buildings, schools and utility power plants

Most of these systems are either connected to the electric grid to provide supplemental power and backup assurance or as a grid-independent generator for locations that are inaccessible by power lines

Telecommunications

Due to computers, the Internet and sophisticated communication networks there is a need for an incredibly reliable power source

Fuel Cells have been proven to be 99.999% reliable

Micro Power Consumer electronics could gain drastically longer battery

power with Fuel Cell technology Cell phones can be powered for 30 days without recharging Laptops can be powered for 20 hours without recharging

6.2.10. What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?

Physical Security Reliability Efficiency Environmental Benefits Battery Replacement/Alternative

6.2.11. IROST Fuel Cell Technology Development

The Department of Chemical Technologies of IROST developed H2 and Fuel Cell Technology Center in 2010 where a broad range of research activities are currently in progress in this center in this regard.

6.2.12. IROST Fuel Cell Research Activities

1.Fuel Cell Test Station (PEM/MeOH/SOFC) 2.MEA Fabrication for PEM fuel cells 3.SOFC Raw Materials

4.Fuel Processing Systems 5.H2 Storage Technologies 6. Publication of Iranian Journal of H2 & Fuel cell

6.2.13. Scientific Facilities at IROST Fuel Cell Technology Center

A PEM Fuel Cell Test Station A PEM/ MeOH Fuel Cell Test Station

MEA Fabrication for PEM FCs

Fuel Reforming Technologies

MeOH Reformer for H2 NG Reformer for

and DME Production H2 and Syngas Production

Thin Layer and Nanotechnology Lab

Thin film-based sensors and biosensors Preparation of electro-catalyst layer of Pt Nanoparticles for PEMFC Fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells Thin film- based smart windows

6.3. Solar Energy Technology Development

6.3.1. Introduction

Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy and is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. Modern technology can harness this energy for a variety of uses, including generating electricity, providing light or a comfortable interior environment, and heating water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use. Solar energy is being recognized as the future of alternative energy sources as it is non-polluting and helps combat the Greenhouse effect on global climate created by use of fossils fuels.

There are several ways to harness solar energy: photovoltaics (also called solar electric), solar heating & cooling, concentrating solar power (typically built at utility-scale), and passive solar.

The first three are active solar systems, which use mechanical or electrical devices that convert the sun's heat or light to another form of usable energy. Passive solar buildings are designed and oriented to collect, store, and distribute the heat energy from sunlight to maintain the comfort of the occupants without the use of moving parts or electronics.

6.3.2. How Does Solar Power Work?

A solar system has three main parts:

Solar PV panels capture energy from the sun and create direct current (DC) electricity

An inverter in the power box converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) that is suitable for use by homes and businesses

A two-way electricity meter records the amount of electricity generated and, if required, measures any power the home or business feeds into the grid.

6.3.3. Advantages of Solar Energy

1. The abundance of Solar Energy. Even in the middle of winter each square meter of land still receives a fair amount of solar radiation. Sunlight is everywhere and the resource is practically inexhaustible. Even during cloudy days we still receive some sunlight and it is this that can be used as a renewable resource.

2. You don’t pay for sunlight.Sunlight is totally free. There is of course the initial investment for the equipment. After the initial capital outlay you won’t be receiving a bill every month for the rest of your life from the electric utility.

3. Solar energy is getting more cost effective.The technology for solar energy is evolving at an increasing rate. At present photovoltaic technology is still relatively expensive but the technology is improving and production is increasing. The result of this is to drive costs down. Payback times for the equipment are getting shorter and in some areas where the cost of electricity is high payback may be as short as five years.

4. Solar energy is non-polluting.Solar energy is an excellent alternative for fossil fuels like coal and petroleum because solar energy is practically emission free while generating electricity. With solar energy the danger of further damage to the environment is minimized. The generation of electricity through solar power produces no noise. So noise pollution is also reduced.

5. Accessibility of solar power in remote locations.Solar power can generate electricity no matter how remote the area as long as the sun shines there. Even in areas that are inaccessible to power cables solar power can produce electricity.

6. Solar energy systems are virtually maintenance free.Once a photovoltaic array is setup it can last for decades. Once they are installed and setup there are practically zero recurring costs. If needs increase solar panels can be added with ease and with no major revamp.

6.3.4. Solar Energy Potentials in Iran

Solar irradiation is very high in Iran and the sunny hours that could be utilized are about 2800 hours per year. The direct normal irradiance is assessed to be of 2200 kWh/m2/a. Iran’s 300-odd days of sunshine a year make its vast sun-kissed lands one of the best spots on earth to host solar panels.

80 percent of Iran’s territory solar irradiation would be between 1640 and 1970 kWh/m2/a. The highest values are reached in the central Iranian region. A maximum direct normal insolation in Shiraz is about 2580 kWh/m2/a and in Yazd is in the range of

2500 kWh/m2/a. It is estimated that 94 TWh/a electricity will be produced by Concentrating Solar Power Plant (CSP) and 0.007 TWh/a by photovoltaic generation.

In general, utilizable surfaces in Iran are so large that they will not be a limiting factor for solar energy utilization.

6.3.5.IROST Solar Energy Technology Development

The solar energy group was founded in 1990 by two of IROST’s senior fellows which later expanded to a larger group in 2004. This group became a major section embedded in the IROST’s Institute of Advanced Materials and Renewable Energy in 2005.As part of the policy of this group, the mission is focused on developing the use of renewable energy technologies through research projects and preparing prototype samples. The main focus of IROST solar energy group is on solar energy use covering two areas of thermal and photovoltaic. The research projects are defined with an approach of turning out to a bench-scale prototype device capable of utilizing renewable energy sources. In order to promote and publicize renewable energy use, the pilot plants resulted from research projects will be finally installed in different parts of Iran.

IROST solar energy group has implemented more than 40 local or national projects, most of which have been dedicated to distant or deprived areas. A few of the typical projects implemented by this group are presented as follows:

SOLAR ENERGY FOR GREEN HOUSE HEATING IN ZABOL

THIS PROJECT WAS SUPPORTED BY SISTAN DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED BY IROST

Six Rows of Collectors

SOLAR GUEST HOUSE

GREEN HOUSES & SOLAR SYSTEM Birjand Solar Public Bath

MOSALA (MOSQUE) OF ZABOL SOLAR HOT WATER SUPPLY

• THIS PROJECT WAS SUPPORTED BY SISTAN DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

• THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR 500 PERSON/DAY

10 kW Stirling Motor-Based Solar Power Unit

Solar Water Desalination Unit

6.3.6. IROST Rural Comprehensive Renewable Energy Project (Green village)

IROST has designed a very advanced framework for developing a self-sufficient solar energy-based green village. This project has been oriented to distant and deprived southern rural areas of Iran, which suffer from air pollution. For this project, a typical village has been considered.

-Typical Energy Needs in Green Village Electricity for lighting & other domestic electrical appliances Heat source for cooking & drying Hot water Desalinated water Air conditioning

-IROST Green Solutions

1. Supplying 3 Networks for Domestic Usage:

Network of green electricity Pipe network of green hot water Pipe network of biogas second: supplying 6 public facilities:

Solar dryer for agricultural products Solar-heated green house Biofuel station Solar water desalination Green public bath Store for green, low consumption appliances

2. Network of Green Electricity:

Electricity supplied by a combination of PV panels, small hydraulic turbines, medium- sized wind turbines, and a suitable storage system (choices made based on local studies).

3. Pipe Network of Hot Water: The hot water is supplied by means of solar collectors and an adequate storage system.

4. Pipe Network of Biogas: The biogas is supplied by a biomass plant that uses food, agricultural and animal wastes. The remaining material is highly demanded as fertilizer.

- Costs: Taking the local assistances into account, a complementary budget of 1 million US$ is sufficient for the realization of this project.

7. Conclusion

IROST is willing to cooperate with other ECO Member States in the following green technology development activities:

Transfer of technology and know-how Joint research activities Specialized training courses Joint investment in developing green technologies Development of specialized green energy research labs in ECO Member States Collaboration in the doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programmes