From eyesore to asset: How a smelly seaweed could fuel cars

In a remarkable development, biologist Shamika Spencer has expressed her excitement over the successful testing of a vehicle powered by sargassum, a type of seaweed that has been causing significant issues for Caribbean communities since 2011. This invasive seaweed, which washes ashore in large quantities, has created a foul odor as it decomposes, leading to a decline in tourism as visitors are deterred by the unpleasant smell. The situation became so dire that in 2018, Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared sargassum a national emergency. However, a group of innovative Caribbean scientists and environmentalists are now working to turn this environmental challenge into an opportunity by converting sargassum into a valuable biofuel. The team has recently launched one of the world's first vehicles that runs on bio-compressed natural gas, a fuel derived from sargassum, wastewater from local rum distilleries, and dung from indigenous blackbelly sheep. This innovative fuel source can be used in any car with a straightforward and affordable installation process that takes about four hours and costs around $2,500. Initially, the researchers considered using sugarcane to reduce dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels and to help the Caribbean achieve its goal of zero emissions. However, despite Barbados being one of the few islands still producing sugarcane, the amount available was insufficient for their ambitious plans, as explained by Dr. Legena Henry, the project's founder. In contrast, sargassum is abundant and readily available, making it a more viable option for fuel production. Dr. Henry noted that tourism has suffered greatly due to the presence of sargassum, with hotels spending millions to address the issue. The idea of utilizing sargassum for fuel was inspired by one of her students, Brittney McKenzie, who noticed the large number of trucks transporting the seaweed from the beaches. After conducting preliminary research, Brittney and the team discovered that mixing sargassum with rum distillery wastewater yielded promising results. They filed a patent for their formula and presented their project to potential investors during a side meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York. Upon returning to Barbados, Dr. Henry was thrilled to receive numerous congratulatory messages, including an offer of $100,000 from the US non-profit Blue Chip Foundation to help kickstart their work. Biologist Shamika Spencer was brought on board to experiment with different ratios of sargassum and wastewater to determine the optimal combination for producing biogas. She expressed her eagerness to participate in the project, having witnessed the negative impact of sargassum on the beaches of Antigua and Barbuda. The seaweed not only threatens tourism but also poses health risks due to the hydrogen sulfide released during decomposition, which can harm both humans and wildlife, including critically endangered sea turtle hatchlings that can become trapped in the thick mats of seaweed. The increase in sargassum is attributed to climate change, which has led to water pollution and rising sea temperatures. Caribbean leaders, including Prime Minister Mottley and Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne, have been vocal in their calls for eco reparations as the region grapples with rising sea levels and more severe storms. While awaiting external support, this project exemplifies the Caribbean's proactive approach to addressing its environmental challenges. Spencer emphasized the importance of ensuring that sargassum removed from beaches does not end up in landfills. By repurposing it as fuel for vehicles, they can protect tourism and improve air quality. The successful test drive of a biogas-powered Nissan Leaf, provided by the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, was a thrilling moment for Dr. Henry, who acknowledged the risks involved in the venture. She and her husband, data scientist Nigel Henry, founded Rum and Sargassum Inc. with the goal of revolutionizing energy production in the Caribbean. Both originally from Trinidad, they studied in the US and were determined to apply their skills to benefit their home region. Dr. Henry's vision is to help develop the Caribbean, and they are currently working on a pilot project involving four cars to demonstrate the feasibility of their technology. She estimates that it will require around $2 million to showcase initial commercial activity and $7. 5 million to reach a point where they can supply gas to 300 taxis in Barbados. Potential funding sources include the US Agency for International Development, the European Union, and international development banks. The team also plans to expand their operations by establishing a biogas station to replace their small existing facility. The University of the West Indies (UWI) aims to explore other sargassum-based innovations, such as pest control products. Spencer expressed her pride in witnessing the results of their research, while Brittney McKenzie, reflecting on her journey, described seeing her idea come to life as 'mind-blowing. ' She encourages young scientists to pursue their ideas, as they may lead to significant discoveries. Dr. Henry concurred, stating that the journey has required years of hard work and perseverance. She believes their innovation is not only beneficial for the Caribbean but also has the potential to be exported to other regions affected by sargassum, such as parts of West Africa, South America, and Florida. This project represents a significant achievement for the Caribbean, showcasing the region's ability to develop technology that can have a positive impact on the global stage.