Case study
Anglo American acquired a stake of more than 20% in Australian-based MBD Energy in November 2009. MBD Energy will soon begin trials of leading-edge carbon capture and conversion technology using algal synthesisers at three of Australia’s largest greenhouse gas emitting coal fired power plants.
The announcement coincided with the opening of Australia’s first large-scale Algal Research and Development Facility at James Cook University in Townsville.
“Anglo American’s stake makes us the cornerstone investor in the project, highlighting our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions by supporting world-leading technologies,” said Chief Executive of Metallurgical Coal Seamus French.
The technology involves growing algae in bio-sequestration farms that feed off emissions from a neighbouring power station. These conditions enable the CO2 to be consumed by the algae, which is then harvested to produce valuable by-products, such as bio-diesel and animal feeds. Using the naturally occurring process of synthesis to convert carbon into useful products has enormous potential for reducing emissions and enabling the continued use of coal as a sustainable energy source.
MBD Energy has reached preliminary agreements with three of Australia’s largest greenhouse gas emitting coal-fired power plants located in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, with a carbon capture and recycling plant proposed for each location.