DOE’s Touchstone algae research project prepares for next phase

In West Virginia, the DOE’s CCS and biofuels project producing algae in four ponds photosynthesizing CO2 captured from a small, coal-fired combustor at Touchstone Research Laboratory is moving into its next phase. The next stage will include using a new material to cover the algal ponds that will absorb sunlight during the day and later release it at night to maintain a constant temperature, while also minimizing evaporation and preventing other species getting into the ponds.