This project will develop a process which uses seaweed for the generation of sustainable energy by anaerobic digestion (AD). Currently, farmers, food processors and industry use AD to generate bio-methane from wastes, to reduce energy costs or provide income. As waste supplies can be variable and AD is a continuous process, food crops like maize and beets are used to supplement waste. Seaweed has the potential to replace these food crops, which use land and water which could otherwise be used for human food production. The UK has extensive coastal waters and internationally recognised academic excellence in seaweed, its growth requirements and environmental considerations. This project brings together expertise in AD process development, economic modelling, environmental and social impact assessment and the supply chain - from seabed access for seaweed farming through to biogas injection into the national grid.

Blockage of intakes by jellyfish and other marine objects causes serious economic disruption and gives rise to safety concerns for coastal power stations. To combat unexpected arrival of clogging materials, a consortium of CTL, UEA, Cefas and EDF Energy will design, build and test an imaging system for the detection of jellyfish in coastal waters. The system will be designed for use by power station operators to provide an early warning of jellyfish blooms in their vicinity. The aim is to integrate different types of cameras in an innovative, rugged sensor package which can transmit data back to land. The cameras will be able to see even in turbid water by using ultrasound. The system will be built and tested in three stages: 1) under controlled conditions in a large saltwater aquarium facility, 2) during supervised short deployments at a coastal test site and 3) during an extended autonomous installation at a power station site. The instrument will ultimately be used as part of a comprehensive early warning and mitigation service for coastal power station and desalination plant operators , with potential also for use in aquaculture.