Bioenergy – the Peruvian Green Thunder Illapa project, a finalist in Schneider Electric’s global Go Green competition

The project that led to the selection of Peruvian students by Schneider to represent South America is called Green Thunder- Illapa and consists of a solution that proposes the use of a photobioreactor as an alternative for sustainable energy generation through the cultivation and use of microalgae from sunlight and carbon dioxide (CO2).

“We are very happy that we are able to represent South America and especially our country. We want to show the world that we Peruvians have the ability to offer innovative ideas and solutions to major world problems.” Andean Agency Andres Diaz Zamora, Team Member and Student of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the National University of Engineering (UNI),

In developing the project, Ange Boras Valencia, a student of genetics and biotechnology at the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM); Benjamin Diaz Zamora graduated from the same profession. and Yessenia Yauri Huaman, a biology graduate from the National University of San Cristobal de Huamanga

How it works
The Illapa photobioreactor uses sunlight and ambient carbon dioxide for the mass cultivation of microalgae, in order to reduce the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity. The cultivation of microalgae, such as plants, allows the use of environmental carbon dioxide to carry out photosynthesis. In this way, Illapa photobioreactor becomes a sustainable alternative for power generation.

“To achieve the growth of fungal algae in the photobioreactor, stable culture conditions must be maintained, such as controlling temperature, pH, appropriate concentration of oxygen, and environmental carbon dioxide, as well as providing nutrients for growth,” explains Benjamin Diaz.

During their participation in the regional phase of the competition, the Peruvian team presented a plan on how to adapt the use of the photobioreactor to the energy needs and social context of the country. In addition, the four students have developed the entire supply chain approach and the economic model that makes the project scalable, from small investments to large investments.

On the first level, the Green Thunder- Illapa will be used to bring power to places without grid electricity and high levels of solar radiation, such as rural areas in the Andes. The students explained that “as technology evolves and the efficiency of these systems increases, they can be applied in hybrid systems and networked systems.”

The other contestants
Final teams are now being advised by executives from Schneider Electric and Aveva, an industrial software company supporting the initiative, to improve their projects. The winning team will receive a cash prize of €10,000 and all finalists will be invited for a job interview that may lead to a job at Schneider Electric or Aviva.

“Innovative ideas can contribute to making the world a cleaner and fairer place. Schneider Go Green wants to help motivated young people turn their often daring ideas into practical and actionable projects,” says Charise Le, Chief Human Resources Officer at SchneiderElectric. “Congratulations to the finalists and a big thank you to everyone who participated over the years. We hope their enthusiasm inspires many to join us on future editions.”