NTPC, IOC use algae to check carbon emission

NEW DELHI: Country's largest generation utility NTPC and the R&D wing of biggest refiner-marketer IndianOil have launched an innovative project to use the humble micro algae to minimize carbon emission from power projects.

The companies have launched a pilot project at NTPC’s Faridabad power plant near Delhi. Two conjoining algae ponds have been constructed in the area to draw CO2 (carbon dioxide) from smoke stacks at the project. Emissions from the stacks, containing besides CO2, nitrogen oxides and other gases from industrial plants, would be fed into the artificial ponds for absorption.

The gases would help micro-algae to grow which can then be harvested and processed into ethanol, bio-diesel or fertilizer.

“This project is part of NTPC's plan to meet environment challenges and the company also plans to adopt latest environment practices and protection systems to minimize the impact of power generation on environment,” the company said in a statement.