Leben in Algen: Energiegewinnung und nahrhaft zu gleich | Galileo | ProSieben

Summary

The video explores the world's first algae house in Hamburg, showcasing its innovative facade filled with billions of microalgae that provide heating and hot water for residents. Ann-Marie, a resident, shares her experiences living amidst the bubbling algae, which create a calming environment. Martin Kerner, the operator, explains the technology behind the house, highlighting its energy production and the symbiotic relationship between residents and algae. The algae are also harvested for their nutritional value, transforming into a superfood. The project signifies a potential shift towards more sustainable living solutions, with plans for larger implementations in the future.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The Algenhaus in Hamburg features a facade filled with billions of microalgae, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainable living.
• 💡 The building generates its own heat and warm water through a unique system that converts sunlight into energy.
• 🔄 Residents contribute to the algae's growth by supplying wastewater, which is transformed into biogas for nutrient enrichment.
• 🚿 The algae facade produces approximately 40,000 kilowatt-hours of energy annually, meeting the heating needs of all residents.
• 🍃 Algae cultivation is highly efficient, with harvesting occurring every 20 minutes during peak growth periods.
• 💰 Algae harvested from the facade can be sold as a superfood, with wholesale prices around €30 per kilogram.
• 🥤 Residents enjoy consuming the algae in smoothies, highlighting its nutritional benefits and taste.
• 🔊 The bubbling sounds of the algae are considered soothing by some residents, although there are mixed feelings about the noise.
• 🌍 Plans for a larger algae facade are underway, indicating a growing interest in such eco-friendly designs in urban settings.
• 🌟 The Algenhaus represents a successful synergy between human habitation and algae cultivation, offering a model for future sustainable architecture.

Q & A

What is the Algenhaus, and where is it located?

The Algenhaus is an innovative residential building located in the Wilhelmsburg district of Hamburg, featuring a facade filled with microalgae that produces energy.

How does the algae facade contribute to the building's energy needs?

The algae facade converts sunlight into warmth, generating approximately 40,000 kilowatt-hours of energy annually, which covers the heating and hot water needs of its residents.

What unique feature does the algae provide to the residents?

Residents benefit from the heat generated by the algae and also from a nutrient-rich wastewater system that supports the algae's growth.

How often are the algae harvested, and what is the process?

The algae are harvested every 20 minutes during peak growth seasons using a flotation machine that collects the algae concentrate from the surface of the water.

What is the market value of the harvested algae?

The wholesale price for algae is about €30 per kilogram, while retail products like dietary supplements can cost around €20 for just 10 grams.

What does the sound of bubbling and other noises indicate about living in the Algenhaus?

The bubbling sound is caused by the high circulation of water in the algae reactors, which helps the algae receive sufficient light for growth, although some residents find the valve noises occasionally disruptive.

How does the Algenhaus ensure the algae do not remain stagnant?

The building employs a system that creates turbulent water movement, ensuring the algae are constantly mixed and receive ample light for optimal growth.

Can residents consume the algae, and if so, how do they prepare it?

Yes, residents can consume the algae, often blending it into smoothies with fruits and other ingredients to make it more palatable.

What future plans are there for similar algae facade projects?

There are plans for a larger algae facade project that will be five times the size of the current one, indicating the potential for more such sustainable buildings in the future.

What role does wastewater play in the algae growth process?

The wastewater generated by residents is used as a nutrient source for the algae, which helps in their growth and contributes to the overall energy production of the building.