SIMPLE algae could be a solution to the world’s carbon dioxide problems, a North- East delegation will tell The Prince of Wales today.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Wilton, Teesside, and engineering firm Arup will unveil a system of using algae to “absorb” carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted by power stations and factories, and turn it into compost for growing food or even biofuels.

The system, which is still at the laboratory stage, has been chosen as one of a select group of ideas to be put before Prince Charles at the Breakthroughs for the 21st Century event hosted today by the Sustainable Development Commission, in London.

Scientists claim the system has the potential to reduce the carbon dioxide that power plants emit by 70 to 80 per cent.

They are now looking to take it from the laboratory to early development.

Dr Graham Hillier, low carbon energy director at CPI, said: “We are planning a rapid research and development programme to move the concept from small-scale testing to larger scale demonstration.

“We are also looking at ways of integrating the processes into existing power supply and waste management systems.”

He added: “The roll-out will be a great challenge for the process development and construction industries.

“Government and business, working together, must show leadership, ownership and commitment to attract investment and build technological capability.”

Peter Head, director and global head of planning at Arup, said: “The use of algae in this way could have a vast impact on the environment.

“It not only has the potential to reduce the carbon dioxide that power plants emit by 70 to 80 per cent, improving their carbon footprint.

“The algae could potentially provide an alternative source of fuel in itself, and through its by-products, a new revenue stream to support investment in carbon capture technologies.”

In simple terms, whereas present carbon capture technology pumps the waste into the sea or ground, it would be used to cultivate the algae, which grows as it absorbs the CO2.

The algae would then be farmed and used to produce biofuels or a non-chemical compost for crop production.

The idea first originated through Arup’s work on carbon capture and has been further developed by process and systems engineers from the CPI.

Today’s event at the Royal Horticultural Halls will showcase 19 ideas, chosen from nearly 300 submissions, that could make the biggest difference in tackling climate change and depletion of resources.