The Role of R& D Institutions in Developing Bio-economy in ECO Region
Presented in
2nd International Conference on Energy, Regional Integration and SocioEconomic Development
October 1-3, 2014
Baku, Azerbaijan
By
Prof.Ahmad Akbari
Dr.Mahmoud Molanejad
Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)
1. Introduction
Countries in the ECO region, like the rest of the world, need to develop new technologies
and practices which respond to the challenges of climate change and scarcity of natural
resources. The high cost of energy, the finite supply of traditional raw materials and clean
water, the setting of international emissions reduction targets, and the increasing
demand from consumers for sustainable goods, are all driving a global demand for new
products, services, technologies and solutions in the Bio-economy. This economy reduces
inputs, minimize waste and improve production processes which help stimulate
technological innovation, boost employment in the fast developing ‘green technology’
sector, open up new export markets and benefit consumers through more sustainable
products. R& D institutions play a central role in achieving the Bio-economy by
developing technologies which reduce the costs of the existing environmentally
sustainable technologies and delivering the new resource-efficient ones. In this regard,
Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology has developed a number of
new “green” technologies and products including the national project of "Bioenergy
production from a new microalgae species to obtain bioactive ingredient and its
application for animal and human consumption” and several other clean energy
technologies.This strain of microalgae was isolated from mangrove forests in the
northern part of the Persian Gulf which is suitable for large- scale biofuel production due
to its high biomass and oil content. In this context, the paper would focus on
clean technologies developed by IROST and their impact on sustainable economy and
environment.
2. Objectives
The objectives of this presentation are in connection with the use of green technologies
focusing on economic resources, technology advantages and a reduction of CO2
emissions including the following:
 Saving natural resources at large
 Making use of the existing resources efficiently by recycling the by-products from
other industries and the resources used for generating energy
 Reducing reliance on fossil fuel use by developing new means of generating
energy and energy efficiency
 Reducing the harmful impacts of current energy production and consumption
methods which produce waste and pollution in order to improve health and
environment
 Promoting economic development by expanding the development of renewable
energy technologies and techniques which make use of environmental resources,
encourages efficient resource management to capitalize on the strengths of the
countries
 Contributing significant employment through introducing new green
technologies and enhancing the production of new knowledge-based products by
manufacture, installation, management and maintenance of these initiatives
3. Advantages of Green Technology Development
 Sustainability- meeting the needs of society in ways that can continue indefinitely
into the future without damaging or depleting natural resources. In short, meeting
present needs without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.
 “Cradle to Cradle” Design- ending the “cradle to grave” cycle of manufactured
products by creating products that can be fully reclaimed or re-used.
 Source Reduction-reducing waste and pollution by changing patterns of
production and consumption
 Innovation- developing alternatives to technologies- whether fossil fuel or
chemical intensive agriculture-that have been demonstrated to damage health and
the environment.
 Variability- creating a center of economic activity around technologies and
products that benefit the environment, speeding their implementation and creating
new careers that truly protect the planet.
 Energy- perhaps the most urgent issue for green technology, this includes the
development of alternative fuels, new means of generating energy and energy
efficiency.
 Green chemistry-the invention, design and application of chemical products and
processes to reduce or to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.
 Green nanotechnology-nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at
the scale of the nanometer, one billionth of a meter. Some scientists believe that
mastery of this subject is forthcoming that will transform the way that everything in
the world is manufactured. “Green Nanotechnology” is the application of green
chemistry and green engineering principles to this field.
4. Green Energy Potentials in Iran
The share of green energy in producing electricity is currently about 3 percent, but has a
potential to increase to 38 percent in 2030. The share can even go higher to 57 percent if
energy is used more efficiently in all sectors which will reduce demand for electricity.
According to Renewable Energy Headquarters’ report, the following targets for using
renewable energy sources in Iran are proposed.
 Wind: 6500 MW
 Hydro: 90 MW in 15 years
 Solar and PV: 5 MW in independent power generating plants and 30 MW in power
generating plants connected to network
 10,000 solar water heaters are produced and installed
 One power generating plant with 100 MW capacity
 More than 2 MW PV electricity is generated
 Biomass: 137 mbo
 Geothermal: 200 MW in 10 years
5. Iran’s Green Energy Development Objectives
Iran intends to access the technologies pertaining the production and use of green
energy resources in order to align itself with sustainable development objectives in Iran.
With the development of green energy resources, Iran would be able to generate as
much as 2,000 MW electricity by the end of the Fifth Four Year Development Plan
(2010-2015). According to the objectives set forth in the 20-Year Outlook, Iran should
become a regional power in terms of production and use of green energy resources by
2025. The objectives envisaged in the plan are as follows:
 Electricity generated from green energy sources should account for 10 percent of
the total electricity generated in the country
 Security of the country’s energy network should be assured through diversifying
energy resources in the energy basket
 The environmental conservation should be promoted through reducing ecological
pollution
 Policy-making strategies in green energy resources should be improved
 The country’s capabilities in the field of green energy resources should be
optimized
 More financial supports should be provided for research, development and
creating technical knowledge in order to improve competency of green energy
sources with other sources of energy
6. Green Technology Development
6.1. Microalgae Technology for Biofuel Production
6.1.1. Introduction
One of the most serious environmental problems today is the “Global Warming” caused
primarily by the heavy use of fossil fuels. Microalgae which are a diverse group of
photosynthetic microorganisms are potential candidates for using excessive amounts of
CO2 to produce energy and chemical components with the presence of sunlight.
Microalgae as sunlight-driven cell factories are able to convert carbon dioxide to
potential biofuels, foods, feeds and high-value bioactives.
Algal biofuel is an ideal biofuel candidate which eventually can replace petroleum-based
fuel due to several advantages, such as high oil content, high production, less land, etc.
Microalgae have the potential to produce 5,000 –15,000 gallons of biodiesel per acre per
year.
6.1.2. Green Energy Production from Microalgae
Microalgae are mainly composed of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and can provide
several different types of green energy: The lipid content of algal oil can be processed into
biodiesel, its carbohydrates into ethanol and its protein into human nutritional
supplements, animal and aqua feed and can also provide biogas and fertilizers by
anaerobic digestion of the algal biomass.
6.1.3. Comparison of Yield Projection for Some Natural Sources of
Biodiesel
Algae have numerous advantages over terrestrial plants:
 They use solar energy with efficiencies 10 times higher compared with
terrestrial plants, fixing higher quantities of CO2.
 They can grow in fresh, salty waters and even in wastewaters.
 They can be used as metal absorbers (Cu, Cd) in wastewater treatments.
 Algae harvesting can be performed after a few days once the culture has started,
which does not occur with crops.
 Flue gases from power plants can be directly used in algae culture, recovering
carbon and nitrogen dioxides.
 Algae production systems can be installed in surfaces next to industries and in
non-cultivable surfaces, avoiding competition for the lands.
 Several studies affirm that more quantities of oil can be obtained from microalgae
compared from oilseeds.
6.1.4. Algal Biomass Production from Raw Materials
Algal biomass contains three main components: carbohydrates, proteins, and
lipids/natural oils. For algae to grow, a few relatively simple conditions have to be met:
light, carbon source, water, nutrients and a suitably controlled temperature. Algae are
traditionally cultivated either in open ponds, known as high rate ponds (HRP), or in
enclosed systems known as photobioreactors.
6.1.5. The Products of Microalgae Technology
The produced biomass composes of over half of algae products and their potential uses
in biofuels (bio jet, gasoline, biodiesel, and high-quality diesel), pharmaceuticals (antiaging products), chemical industry, and biomass power generation.
Biofuels 
-Bio Jet
-Gasoline
-Biodiesel
-High Quality Diesel
Anti-Aging Products Containing: 
- Nutraceutical enriched by Fe, Ca, &
Selenium
-Therapeutic protein
-Phycocyanin, Lutein
-Powder/cap Dunaliella (Provitamin A βCarotene)
-Astaxanthin Capsules, Omega 3
6.1.6. IROST Microalgae Technology
IROST has been engaged in development of green technologies for several years in order
to replace fossil fuel use with carbon neutral fuels securing a reduction in carbon dioxide
emissions by different nations. One of the technologies developed by IROST in this
regard is the microalgae technology for biofuel production. IROST has been involved in
research on microalgae and Cyanobacteria since 2002 for which the Persian Gulf
Biotechnology Research Center was established in Qeshm Island. The project of biofuel
production from a new species of microalgae was among the 37 national projects
approved by the Iranian Higher Council for Science, Research and Technology in 2010.In
this project, IROST scientists used naturally sourced strain of algae isolated from
mangrove forests in the northern part of the Persian Gulf in Iran which proved to be
suitable for large-scale production, due to its high biomass and oil content.
Through IROST’s pilot scale results (25,000 L open pond), it was estimated that this
strain has the capability to produce around 240 tons/hectare biomass and 120,000 L. of
algae oil, hectare/ year. The cultivation process was done in an open pond by seawater
and under direct sunlight.
Microalgae Pilot Plant-IROST 2009
Microalgae Pilot Plant-Qeshm Islamd
2002
Microalgae pilot plant-IROST 2009
Microalgae pilot plant-IROST 2009
6.1.7. IROST Open Ponds Design
IROST cultivation process was developed in an open pond, with sea water and direct
sunlight. Open ponds are the oldest and simplest systems for mass cultivation of
microalgae. In this system, the shallow pond is usually with about 1 foot deep;
algae are cultured under conditions identical to the natural environment. The
pond is usually designed in a “raceway” or “track” configuration, in which a
paddlewheel provides circulation and mixing of the algal cells and nutrients.
 Cultivation processes are broken up into blocks called fields.
 Each field is almost 100 hectare contains the reactor beds, algae inoculation and
nutrient source, CO source, circulation pumps, and harvest sumps.
2
 Each field contains 300 x 3000 m² reactor bed.
6.1.8. The process of Microalgae Conversion into Biofuel
The process of conversion of algae into biofuels has been presented in the flow chart
below. This includes feeding CO2 to open ponds containing algae mass so that after the
conversion process, the biofuel or green diesel is produced.
6.1.9. Production Capacity T/h/y
T/h/y
Average
productivity
240
Biomass
120
Oil
41
Carbohydrate in
the rest of Biomass
(40%)Ethanol
400
CO2 sequestration
48
Feed Additive
6.1.10. Commercialization of IROST Microalgae Technology
During June 2014, an agreement was made between IROST, Rosemond and SaffRosemond Engineering & Management Group of Companies regarding the transfer of
biofuel production technology from microalgae. Under this agreement, IROST agreed to
transfer the technical know-how of biofuel production from microalgae to the mentioned
investors. It is notable that this agreement led to the establishment of Qeshm Microalgae
Biofinery (QMAB) Co. in Iran which is considered the first and largest microalgae
biotechnology company in the Middle East. QMAB is dedicated to cultivate unique and
patented microalgae species in order to deliver the most advanced innovations,
technologies and bio-products to pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, food and
biofuel industries.
IROST Project Perspective
6.2. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
6.2. 1.Introduction
Hydrogen is high in energy, yet an engine that burns pure hydrogen produces almost no
pollution. NASA has used liquid hydrogen since the 1970s to propel the space shuttle
and other rockets into orbit. Hydrogen fuel cells power the shuttle's electrical systems,
producing a clean byproduct - pure water, which the crew drinks.
A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water. Fuel
cells are often compared to batteries. Both convert the energy produced by a chemical
reaction into usable electric power. However, the fuel cell will produce electricity as long
as fuel (hydrogen) is supplied, never losing its charge.
Fuel cells are a promising technology for use as a source of heat and electricity for
buildings, and as an electrical power source for electric motors propelling vehicles. Fuel
cells operate best on pure hydrogen. But fuels like natural gas, methanol, or even
gasoline can be reformed to produce the hydrogen required for fuel cells. Some fuel cells
even can be fueled directly with methanol, without using a reformer.
In the future, hydrogen could also join electricity as an important energy carrier. An
energy carrier moves and delivers energy in a usable form to consumers. Renewable
energy sources, like the sun and wind, can't produce energy all the time. But they could,
for example, produce electric energy and hydrogen, which can be stored until it's
needed. Hydrogen can also be transported (like electricity) to locations where it is
needed.
6.2.2. What is a Fuel Cell?
 A Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to
produce electricity, with water and heat as its by-product.
6.2.3. Why is Fuel Cell Technology Important?
 Since conversion of the fuel to energy takes place via an electrochemical process,
not combustion.
 It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient process- two to three times more
efficient than fuel burning.
6. 2.4. How does a Fuel Cell work?
 It operates similarly to a battery, but it does not run down nor does it require
recharging.
 As long as fuel is supplied, a fuel cell will produce both energy and heat.
 Individual fuel cells can then be placed in a series to form a fuel cell stack.
 The stack can be used in a system to power a vehicle or to provide stationary
power to a building.
6.2.5. Major Types of Fuel Cells
In general, all fuel cells have the same basic configuration - an electrolyte and two
electrodes .Different types of fuel cells are classified by the kind of electrolyte used. The
type of electrolyte used determines the kind of chemical reactions that take place and
the temperature range of operation.






Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)
Direct Methanol (a subset of PEM)
Phosphoric Acid
Molten Carbonate
Solid Oxide
Alkaline
6.2.6. Importance of Hydrogen
 Fuel Cells require highly purified hydrogen as a fuel.
 Researchers are developing a wide range of technologies to produce hydrogen
economically from a variety of resources in environmentally friendly ways.
 Hydrogen is a secondary energy resource, meaning it must be made from another
fuel.
 Hydrogen can be produced from a wide variety of energy resources including:
 Fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal
 Nuclear energy
 Renewable resources, such as solar, water, wind and biomass
6.2.7. Hydrogen Production
 There are three general categories of Hydrogen production including:
 Thermal Processes
 Electrolyte Processes
 Photolytic Processes
6.2.8. Hydrogen Production Challenges
 The biggest challenge regarding hydrogen production is the cost.
 Reducing the cost of hydrogen production so as to compete in the transportation
sector with conventional fuels on a per-mile basis is a significant hurdle to fuel
cell’s success in the commercial marketplace.
6.2.9. How Can Fuel Cell Technology Be Used?




Transportation
Stationary Power Stations
Telecommunications
Micro Power
 Transportation
Automakers and experts are currently trying to commercialize highly efficient fuel cell
vehicles in different parts of the world.

50 fuel cell buses are currently in use in North and South
America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Trains, planes, boats, scooters, forklifts and even bicycles are utilizing fuel cell
technology as well.
 Stationary Power Stations


Over 2,500 fuel cell systems have been installed all over the
world in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, office buildings,
schools and utility power plants
Most of these systems are either connected to the electric grid
to provide supplemental power and backup assurance or as a
grid-independent generator for locations that are inaccessible
by power lines
 Telecommunications


Due to computers, the Internet and sophisticated
communication networks there is a need for an incredibly
reliable power source
Fuel Cells have been proven to be 99.999% reliable
 Micro Power



Consumer electronics could gain drastically longer battery
power with Fuel Cell technology
Cell phones can be powered for 30 days without recharging
Laptops can be powered for 20 hours without recharging
6.2.10. What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology?





Physical Security
Reliability
Efficiency
Environmental Benefits
Battery Replacement/Alternative
6.2.11. IROST Fuel Cell Technology Development
The Department of Chemical Technologies of IROST developed H2 and Fuel Cell
Technology Center in 2010 where a broad range of research activities are currently in
progress in this center in this regard.
6.2.12. IROST Fuel Cell Research Activities






1.Fuel Cell Test Station (PEM/MeOH/SOFC)
2.MEA Fabrication for PEM fuel cells
3.SOFC Raw Materials
4.Fuel Processing Systems
5.H2 Storage Technologies
6. Publication of Iranian Journal of H2 & Fuel cell
6.2.13. Scientific Facilities at IROST Fuel Cell Technology Center
A PEM Fuel Cell Test Station
A PEM/ MeOH Fuel Cell Test Station
MEA Fabrication for PEM FCs
Fuel Reforming Technologies
MeOH Reformer for H2
and DME Production
Thin Layer and Nanotechnology Lab
NG Reformer for
H2 and Syngas Production




Thin film-based sensors and biosensors
Preparation of electro-catalyst layer of Pt Nanoparticles for PEMFC
Fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells
Thin film- based smart windows
6.3. Solar Energy Technology Development
6.3.1. Introduction
Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy
and is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. Modern
technology can harness this energy for a variety of uses, including generating electricity,
providing light or a comfortable interior environment, and heating water for domestic,
commercial, or industrial use. Solar energy is being recognized as the future of
alternative energy sources as it is non-polluting and helps combat the Greenhouse effect
on global climate created by use of fossils fuels.
There are several ways to harness solar energy: photovoltaics (also called solar
electric), solar heating & cooling, concentrating solar power (typically built at utilityscale), and passive solar.
The first three are active solar systems, which use mechanical or electrical devices that
convert the sun's heat or light to another form of usable energy. Passive solar buildings
are designed and oriented to collect, store, and distribute the heat energy from sunlight
to maintain the comfort of the occupants without the use of moving parts or electronics.
6.3.2. How Does Solar Power Work?
A solar system has three main parts:
 Solar PV panels capture energy from the sun and create direct current (DC)
electricity
 An inverter in the power box converts the DC power into alternating current (AC)
that is suitable for use by homes and businesses
 A two-way electricity meter records the amount of electricity generated and, if
required, measures any power the home or business feeds into the grid.
6.3.3. Advantages of Solar Energy
1. The abundance of Solar Energy.
Even in the middle of winter each square meter of land still receives a fair amount of
solar radiation. Sunlight is everywhere and the resource is practically inexhaustible.
Even during cloudy days we still receive some sunlight and it is this that can be used as a
renewable resource.
2. You don’t pay for sunlight.
Sunlight is totally free. There is of course the initial investment for the equipment. After
the initial capital outlay you won’t be receiving a bill every month for the rest of your life
from the electric utility.
3. Solar energy is getting more cost effective.
The technology for solar energy is evolving at an increasing rate. At present photovoltaic
technology is still relatively expensive but the technology is improving and production is
increasing. The result of this is to drive costs down. Payback times for the equipment are
getting shorter and in some areas where the cost of electricity is high payback may be as
short as five years.
4. Solar energy is non-polluting.
Solar energy is an excellent alternative for fossil fuels like coal and petroleum because
solar energy is practically emission free while generating electricity. With solar energy
the danger of further damage to the environment is minimized. The generation of
electricity through solar power produces no noise. So noise pollution is also reduced.
5. Accessibility of solar power in remote locations.
Solar power can generate electricity no matter how remote the area as long as the sun
shines there. Even in areas that are inaccessible to power cables solar power can
produce electricity.
6. Solar energy systems are virtually maintenance free.
Once a photovoltaic array is setup it can last for decades. Once they are installed and
setup there are practically zero recurring costs. If needs increase solar panels can be
added with ease and with no major revamp.
6.3.4. Solar Energy Potentials in Iran
Solar irradiation is very high in Iran and the sunny hours that could be utilized are about
2800 hours per year. The direct normal irradiance is assessed to be of 2200 kWh/m2/a.
Iran’s 300-odd days of sunshine a year make its vast sun-kissed lands one of the best
spots on earth to host solar panels.
80 percent of Iran’s territory solar irradiation would be between 1640 and 1970
kWh/m2/a. The highest values are reached in the central Iranian region. A maximum
direct normal insolation in Shiraz is about 2580 kWh/m2/a and in Yazd is in the range of
2500 kWh/m2/a. It is estimated that 94 TWh/a electricity will be produced by
Concentrating Solar Power Plant (CSP) and 0.007 TWh/a by photovoltaic generation.
In general, utilizable surfaces in Iran are so large that they will not be a limiting factor for
solar energy utilization.
6.3.5.IROST Solar Energy Technology Development
The solar energy group was founded in 1990 by two of IROST’s senior fellows which
later expanded to a larger group in 2004. This group became a major section embedded
in the IROST’s Institute of Advanced Materials and Renewable Energy in 2005.As part of
the policy of this group, the mission is focused on developing the use of renewable
energy technologies through research projects and preparing prototype samples. The
main focus of IROST solar energy group is on solar energy use covering two areas of
thermal and photovoltaic. The research projects are defined with an approach of turning
out to a bench-scale prototype device capable of utilizing renewable energy sources. In
order to promote and publicize renewable energy use, the pilot plants resulted from
research projects will be finally installed in different parts of Iran.
IROST solar energy group has implemented more than 40 local or national projects, most
of which have been dedicated to distant or deprived areas. A few of the typical projects
implemented by this group are presented as follows:
SOLAR ENERGY FOR GREEN HOUSE HEATING IN ZABOL
 THIS PROJECT WAS SUPPORTED BY SISTAN DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
 DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED BY IROST
Six Rows of Collectors
SOLAR GUEST HOUSE
GREEN HOUSES & SOLAR SYSTEM
Birjand Solar Public Bath
MOSALA (MOSQUE) OF ZABOL SOLAR HOT WATER SUPPLY
•
•
THIS PROJECT WAS SUPPORTED BY SISTAN DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATION
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR 500 PERSON/DAY
10 kW Stirling Motor-Based Solar Power Unit
Solar Water Desalination Unit
6.3.6. IROST Rural Comprehensive Renewable Energy Project (Green
village)
IROST has designed a very advanced framework for developing a self-sufficient solar
energy-based green village. This project has been oriented to distant and deprived
southern
rural
areas
of
Iran,
which
suffer
from
air
pollution.
For this project, a typical village has been considered.
-Typical Energy Needs in Green Village

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


Electricity for lighting & other domestic electrical appliances
Heat source for cooking & drying
Hot water
Desalinated water
Air conditioning
-IROST Green Solutions
1. Supplying 3 Networks for Domestic Usage:
 Network of green electricity
 Pipe network of green hot water
 Pipe network of biogas second: supplying 6 public facilities:
 Solar dryer for agricultural products
 Solar-heated green house
 Biofuel station
 Solar water desalination
 Green public bath
 Store for green, low consumption appliances
2. Network of Green Electricity:
Electricity supplied by a combination of PV panels, small hydraulic turbines, mediumsized wind turbines, and a suitable storage system (choices made based on local studies).
3. Pipe Network of Hot Water:
The hot water is supplied by means of solar collectors and an adequate storage system.
4. Pipe Network of Biogas:
The biogas is supplied by a biomass plant that uses food, agricultural and animal wastes.
The remaining material is highly demanded as fertilizer.
- Costs:
Taking the local assistances into account, a complementary budget of 1 million US$ is
sufficient for the realization of this project.
7. Conclusion
IROST is willing to cooperate with other ECO Member States in the following green
technology development activities:
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Transfer of technology and know-how
Joint research activities
Specialized training courses
Joint investment in developing green technologies
Development of specialized green energy research labs in ECO Member States
Collaboration in the doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programmes