top of page

Scaling algae, not oil: rethinking industrial sustainability from the laboratory outwards

Scaling algae, not oil: rethinking industrial sustainability from the laboratory outwards
Scaling algae, not oil: rethinking industrial sustainability from the laboratory outwards | Photo: Liz Harrell

A student-led project from Monash University has recently claimed top honours in the 2025 'Universities for Goal 13' competition, jointly organised by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Siemens Energy. The winning entry proposes a high-performance microalgae biorefinery capable of capturing industrial CO₂ emissions and converting them into high-value outputs such as biofertiliser and astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant.


The biorefinery design integrates photobioreactors, anaerobic digestion, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems to form a closed-loop process aimed at both energy efficiency and circularity. It is specifically intended for deployment in high-emission zones, using local CO₂ streams as feedstock while minimising transport losses. The project has been awarded a modest but meaningful sum of $10,000 to support further development.

While the technology is still in its early stages, its theoretical merits are significant.


Microalgae offer high CO₂ conversion efficiency, do not compete with agricultural land, and can be used to create multiple valuable co-products. They also have potential in wastewater treatment and nutrient recycling. However, scaling such concepts remains a formidable challenge. Difficulties include the energy-intensive nature of biomass harvesting, costly downstream processing, and thermodynamic inefficiencies when systems are taken beyond laboratory conditions.


This Monash initiative arrives at a time when sustainability rhetoric is widespread, but real progress remains patchy. Universities around the world are increasingly vocal in their commitment to climate goals, often showcasing on-campus solar panels or green building certifications. Yet few have demonstrated how academic research can materially influence decarbonisation pathways in heavy-emitting industries.


The Monash project may be seen as emblematic of a broader debate in the sustainability sector: how to move from symbolic or research-based sustainability initiatives towards scalable industrial solutions. Many universities engage in sustainability research that remains siloed or conceptual, rarely translating into commercial or policy impact. Conversely, legacy industrial actors often highlight minor green projects as evidence of commitment to sustainability while continuing to pursue high-emission business models.


As global attention sharpens on climate action, particularly under SDG 13, projects such as this present an opportunity to reframe institutional roles. Rather than merely serving as spaces for theoretical exploration, universities could become active testbeds for industrial transformation, particularly when supported by targeted partnerships and enabling policy environments.


Turning algae into the future of clean industry

Yet questions remain. Will proof-of-concept projects like the Monash biorefinery attract the capital and infrastructure needed to scale? Are current university structures and incentives geared towards fostering such transitions? And what role should public institutions play in bridging the notorious 'valley of death' that lies between laboratory breakthroughs and industrial uptake?


Critically, such efforts must also contend with regulatory frameworks and market readiness. Without favourable policies, such as carbon pricing, emissions trading schemes, or procurement incentives, these innovations risk being economically nonviable. Furthermore, the long payback periods and technical complexities associated with algal systems may deter private investors unless public agencies or mission-driven finance can fill the gap.

The answers may determine whether algae-based technologies become viable tools in the decarbonisation toolbox or remain confined to academic journals and competition circuits. In the meantime, the Monash project serves as both a hopeful signal and a cautionary tale: that technological potential alone is insufficient without structural, financial and regulatory pathways to support real-world deployment.

 

Sources & more information:

Here are some useful links and sources to get more information about the project and its context:


·       “SDSN and Siemens Energy announce 2025 Universities for Goal 13 Winner, turning algae into the future of clean industry” — SDSN press release with project summary and competition details (unsdsn.org)

·       Monash University news: Global sustainability award for algae innovation (Monash Engineering) (Monash University)

·       Monash University Malaysia: Monash University Malaysia’s algae breakthrough clinches global UN climate prize — gives more detail on team and metrics (Malaysia)

·       MIPO Biorefinery Lab (Monash Malaysia) — lab / research group exploring bioresources, which may be involved with the project (Malaysia)


bottom of page