During the summer months, algae blooms are common in lakes across Saskatchewan, but Denhyn Holowatuk views this as an opportunity for biofuel production. Having recently completed a diploma in agriculture and food production at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Holowatuk is experimenting with extracting ethanol from algae collected from lakes in southern Saskatchewan.
By utilizing a fermentation process involving seaweed, sugar, and vinegar, Holowatuk aims to produce alcohol that can be further processed into biofuel. His interest in algae dates back to his childhood, where he gathered algae from lake shorelines for his family. Over time, he expanded this practice into a small business serving lake-goers and property owners.
Collaborating with Sask. Polytech’s Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence, Holowatuk is testing the feasibility of fermenting and distilling algae into ethanol. Initially focused on creating organic fertilizers, the project evolved into exploring algae as a potential fuel source, following a conversation with Graeme Drysdale, a research chair at Sask. Polytech specializing in sustainable energy solutions.
Drysdale’s interest in Holowatuk’s algae collection stemmed from his research into ethanol production from food crops. At an industrial trade fair in Germany, Drysdale encountered skepticism from other experts regarding the economic viability of algae biofuels. Despite this, ongoing research and advancements in technologies, such as a new jet mixer developed by the University of Utah, suggest a promising future for algae-derived fuels.
In a parallel initiative in Mexico, engineer Miguel Ángel Aké Madera’s company, ‘Nopalimex,’ is successfully converting sargassum seaweed into biofuel on a large scale. Inspired by such projects, Holowatuk’s team is assessing the sustainability and economic viability of their algae-to-ethanol conversion process.
Facing challenges in algae collection capacity, Holowatuk plans to enhance efficiency through advanced equipment. His ultimate goal is to find a long-term solution for utilizing algae, reassuring lake-goers that efforts are underway to address this ecological issue.
