Hiroshima University and Mazda have opened the "Next Generation Automotive Technology Joint Research Course Algae Energy Creation Laboratory" in the Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University.The aim is to produce renewable bio-liquid fuel that can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines such as automobiles from fine algae, and we hope to pave the way for practical use in two years.
According to Mazda, the Algae Energy Creation Laboratory was set up in the General Research and Experiment Building on the Higashi-Hiroshima Campus.Full-time assistant professors and researchers have been assigned to start research.
The research uses Nannochloropsis, a fine alga with a large amount of oil and fat components and a diameter of about 3 micrometer (micro is one millionth of a meter), as a promising biofuel that does not compete with food and has high production efficiency. Attention has been paid.
In the joint research, Hiroshima University aims to develop technology for mass-producing high-quality fats and oils suitable for automobile fuel using genome editing technology, while evaluating the characteristics of Mazda's ability to be used for automobile fuel.Mazda believes that liquid fuel will continue to be an efficient and practical means of energy for mobile vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines such as automobiles.If it is put into practical use, it is expected to reduce the amount of fossil fuel used and improve the effect of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2).
Furthermore, in this joint research, the policy is to support the spread and expansion of renewable next-generation liquid fuels from the technical aspect, and also aim to significantly reduce CO2 in internal combustion engines.
