(Clockwise from top left: Dr Kenn Lu, Professor Yang Liu, Professor Graeme Millar and Dr Yingdi Zhang)
CAB researcher Professor Yang Liu (pictured, top right) has been awarded $799,533 for the project Solar-Driven Biotransformation of CO2 into Renewable Energy.
The project will look to develop an innovative solar-powered electro-active Biotic-Abiotic Hybrid (e-BAH) process to convert CO2 into renewable energy, combining environmental biotechnology, omics, bioinformatics, materials science and bioreactor engineering.
Professor Liu said the research will provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, improving CO2 reduction efficiency while supporting Australia’s greenhouse gas emission targets.
“By engineering world-leading bioreactors for solar-driven CO2 conversion, this project will enhance renewable energy production, stimulate new technology sectors, and create economic and social benefits,” she said.
“The outcomes will promote energy independence, support community engagement with renewable practices, and be translated into industry and policy initiatives through stakeholder collaboration, workshops, and public outreach.”
The project team includes fellow CAB researchers Professor Graeme Millar, Dr Yingdi Zhang and Dr Kenn Lu, along with Dr Zhetai Hu from The University of Queensland, Dr Zhenzhen Wu from Griffith University and Professor Dr Meng Nan Chong from Monash University Malaysia.
CAB congratulates the project team and looks forward to the outcomes of this important research project.