In brief
In a groundbreaking initiative, Caribbean scientists led by Dr. Legena Henry and her team at the University of the West Indies are transforming the invasive sargassum seaweed that has plagued the region into bio-compressed natural gas for vehicles. This innovative biofuel project not only tackles the economic and environmental issues caused by sargassum but also offers a sustainable energy solution for the islands.
When invasive sargassum seaweed began washing ashore across the Caribbean in 2011, locals struggled with its foul smell and the negative impact it had on tourism. By 2018, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared it a national emergency, highlighting the urgent need for a solution. Now, a dedicated group of Caribbean scientists and environmentalists is taking a unique approach to address the issue through innovation.Led by Dr. Legena Henry at the University of the West Indies, this pioneering team has developed the world’s first vehicle powered by bio-compressed natural gas derived from the troublesome sargassum seaweed, combined with local rum distillery wastewater and sheep dung. The straightforward installation of this biofuel system can be achieved in just four hours and for a total cost of around $2,500.The initiative was initially inspired by the inefficiency and high costs associated with using sugarcane as a biofuel source. Given the abundant availability of sargassum, Dr. Henry emphasizes, “We will never run out of this resource.” The environmental crisis created by the seaweed has been compounded by its economic toll on hotels and tourism, which have spent millions managing its presence.The breakthrough came as a senior student, Brittney McKenzie, observed the logistics involved in transporting sargassum off the beaches, which sparked a new line of inquiry. After conducting preliminary research using bioreactors, the team filed a patent and gained traction, receiving funding from the US nonprofit Blue Chip Foundation to further their work.Biologist Shamika Spencer has played an instrumental role in refining the mixture of sargassum and rum distillery wastewater, striving to identify the most effective ratios for producing biogas. “Sargassum has been plaguing the region for several years,” she notes, commenting on the health and ecological risks posed by the decaying algae.As rising sea levels and extreme weather events exacerbate the Caribbean’s vulnerability due to climate change — despite contributing minimally to the issue — leaders have started calling for eco-reparations. However, this initiative demonstrates the region's commitment to spearheading its sustainable solutions.Witnessing a successful test drive of a biogas-powered car was a triumphant moment for Dr. Henry, who recognized the risks of launching such an innovative venture. Partnering with her husband, they established Rum and Sargassum Inc., aiming to advance energy production within the Caribbean and beyond. Dr. Henry envisions scaling their efforts to fuel a fleet of taxis, which could involve substantial investments.The team plans to expand their developments by establishing larger biogas stations and exploring other products, such as pest control substances, derived from sargassum. As Brittney McKenzie reflects on the journey from idea to action, she encourages budding scientists to pursue their innovations, while Dr. Henry highlights the global implications of their innovation, noting it could set a precedent for countries beyond the Caribbean facing similar challenges. This project exemplifies a promising step towards a more sustainable future.
