2008 Winner Profiles
Societal Challenge
Second Place
Algae Farming for Biodiesel
Heritage High School, Vancouver
Kevin Reilly, Grant Hampton
Advisor: Gwen Thompson
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The second place winners in the Societal Challenge proposed modifying a paper mill in Camas, Washington, to develop an algae farm on the site that would trap carbon dioxide emissions. Not only would the algae sequester carbon dioxide emissions, but it could also be harvested for oil used in biodiesel production.
The students proposed that the mill purchase a self-contained biodiesel production unit and utilize the biodiesel to power equipment and machinery on site. They spent much of the year researching the financial and technical feasibility of the plan.