Aichhorn, T. (2013). Case study for the use of emitted CO2 of an Austrian thermal power plant for growing of algae and burning the algae based biomass [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://resolver.obvsg.at/urn:nbn:at:at-ubtuw:1-70873
"The master thesis reviews whether it is possible to use emitted CO2 of a thermal power plant which runs on coal as feedstock for algae instead of emitting to the atmosphere. In a detailed analysis, case studies for the production of electricity from algae have been performed. Key parameters such as CAPEX, OPEX, output, revenues from Omega 3 fatty acid, and price of CO2 allowances have been systematically varied and their impact on the business plan quantified. From an economical point of view, the production of algae based biofuels is not profitable yet. Therefore, the algae based product has to be a high value product such as Omega 3 fatty acid. Nevertheless, the combination of a thermal power plant with an algae growing and refining facility, which includes an additional artificial light system, can be recommended. Consequently, natural solar radiation and artificial light radiation will be used during the photosynthesis process of algae. Further, the economic model indicates that the output and the CAPEX of an algae growing and refining facility influence the economic result most. All in all, the use of CO2 from a thermal power plant as feedstock for algae is not a magic bullet and cannot solve environmental problems regarding global warming. Nevertheless, it can become a bridge technology until a solution for such problems has been found."