Factory requires lots of light

When scientists build alga factories, they can choose between two versions. Although they are basically different, both versions keep the algae in motion, so they get sufficient light.

Red tube systems in Southern China

In a photobioreactor, closed tubes make up circuits placed on top of each other. The closed systems avoid contamination and waste of water, and they take up less space than other alga factories, but they are also more expensive. The world’s largest system in Southern China includes a 400,000 m2 photobioreactor that makes nutritional supplements.

Alga soups circulate in Hawaii

Open raceway ponds involve circulating water, ensuring that the algae get equal quantities of sunlight and carbon dioxide. The method is the cheapest way of growing algae on a large scale. One of the major systems is located on the Kona coast of Hawaii. The Nutrex company is growing red and bluegreen algae in a 360,000 m2 pond.