Turning Sargassum Seaweed into Sustainable Fuel: A Caribbean Revolution

In light of the invasive sargassum seaweed flooding Caribbean beaches, scientists from the University of the West Indies are developing a sustainable biofuel from this often-overlooked algae, aiming to tackle environmental challenges while fueling local economies.

As beaches across the Caribbean grapple with the unsightly and pungent sargassum, local communities have sought innovative solutions to turn this environmental nuisance into an economic asset. Since 2011, when large volumes of sargassum began washing ashore, tourism has suffered significantly due to the foul smell emanating from rotting seaweed. In response to this growing crisis, Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared the influx of sargassum a national emergency in 2018.

A coalition of Caribbean scientists and environmental advocates, led by the University of the West Indies (UWI), have risen to this challenge. They are experimenting with turning sargassum into bio-compressed natural gas, a renewable energy source that also incorporates wastewater from local rum distilleries and dung from blackbelly sheep. This innovation allows any vehicle to be modified to run on this newly developed eco-fuel—a four-hour installation priced at approximately $2,500.

Initially, the research team considered sugarcane for biofuel production, but discovered that the output was insufficient for their ambitious goals. Dr. Legena Henry, the project’s founder, asserted that sargassum presented an inexhaustible resource, voicing optimism about this algae’s potential to transform local economies.

The innovative idea was sparked by student Brittney McKenzie, who recognized the abundance of trucks transporting sargassum from beaches and urged a reevaluation of its utility. The initial trials yielded positive results, leading to the patenting of their formula and participation in the United Nations General Assembly.

With the support of the US-based Blue Chip Foundation, researchers - including biologist Shamika Spencer - dove deeper into finding the optimal balance of seaweed and wastewater for maximum gas production. The initiative is also crucial for preserving local tourism, as managing sargassum on beaches ensures healthier coastal environments for visitors.

As the team prepares to launch its pilot program, the impact of their work reaches beyond Barbados. It presents a scalable model for other regions grappling with the sargassum crisis, including parts of West Africa and Florida. Collaborative efforts continue to secure necessary funding from international development entities, ensuring the project’s sustainability and growth.

This transformative venture not only targets ecological preservation, but it also empowers local communities economically, inspiring future generations to innovate and tackle environmental challenges creatively. The promising outcome of converting a problematic invasive species into a valuable resource exemplifies the Caribbean region’s resilience and resourcefulness in addressing pressing climate issues.