Algae is being studied globally for its potential in various commercial and environmental applications, from biofuels to animal feed to industrial grease. In Senftenberg, Germany, the "Green Mission" project is studying the organism for a new, different purpose. Scientists from European energy giant Vattenfall are looking to algae as a way to reduce emissions at Germany's abundant coal power plants. By putting algae in large tanks along with nutrients, then pumping in the CO2 created by burning coal, the gas is turned into clean air via natural photosynthetic processes. The project is still in its early stages, so whether or not the technique is economically viable or possible on a large scale remains to be seen, but you have to admire it's creativity.
Watch the video report at CNN.
– Mitchell Flexo