In the near future, algae’s ability to actively absorb carbon dioxide could be one of the most efficient strategies for preventing climate change. Even today, you can observe how new ideas and startups are forming around algae. One of these innovations was the Eos Bioreactor developed by Hypergiant Industries. It contains seaweed, which can absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as one acre of trees. Learn more about the development at dallas-name.
Issues related to carbon dioxide emissions
Global climate change is one of the most pressing issues confronting humanity. Carbon dioxide emissions, which occur as a result of modern living and produce an increase in the greenhouse effect, are one of the main drivers of these changes. The causes of this problem include industrial enterprises, transportation, the use of fossil fuels and inefficient energy consumption.
According to the results of research conducted by top international research institutions, during the XXII century, the average temperature would rise by 2-5 degrees Celsius. Two degrees may not seem like a lot, but they are critical for the future of our planet and can lead to serious climate change and the extinction of numerous ecosystems.
However, certain changes in the state of our planet are already visible today: droughts, floods, storms, hurricanes and extremely hot days, which will only grow more common. The world’s oceans will increase in the future, and ocean currents may shift dramatically.
As a result, limiting greenhouse gas emissions is one of humanity’s most significant undertakings in its history. Simultaneously, numerous scientists are working to reduce the current level of carbon dioxide.
The development of the Eos Bioreactor
The Eos Bioreactor was developed by the American company Hypergiant Industries, whose headquarters are located in Dallas. According to dmagazine, the development was presented in 2019 at the Smithsonian’s FUTURE exhibition. Hypergiant Industries specializes in solving human problems with artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology across a wide range of industries, from oil production and hydrodynamics to entertainment and healthcare.
On August 22, 2023, Dallas-based private equity firm Trive Capital announced the acquisition of Hypergiant Industries.
What is an Eos Bioreactor?
The Eos bioreactor is a huge cube with dimensions of 0.9 x 0.9 x 2.1 m that contains the single-celled algae Chlorella vulgaris. Its growth requires three elements: carbon dioxide, light and water. These organisms are the most active in terms of carbon dioxide consumption and reproduction. Subsequently, the newly formed biomass can be gathered and processed into fuel, oil, fertilizers, polymers, cosmetics and other products.
The algae are contained within the device by a network of tubes and a water tank, into which air is pumped and artificial light is used. The bioreactor is outfitted with an artificial intelligence system that continuously monitors and regulates temperature indicators, air flow and pH levels, as well as controls biosensor and harvest cycle in order to optimize the growth of this miniature ecosystem and maximize CO2 consumption.
The reactor is intended for use in urban areas. Its mission is to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. According to Hypergiant, a bioreactor of this type consumes CO2 and creates oxygen 400 times more efficiently than trees, making it one of the most effective instruments for combatting climate change.