Alumnus Honored as "Energy Patriot"

The Energy Patriot award is part of an ongoing effort by Lugar to recognize professionals, scholars, students or businesses that demonstrate leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to reduce America's dependence on foreign energy sources through renewable energy and conservation. For more than a decade, Lugar has stressed the strategic importance of energy security and the economic and security risks of dependence on oil. His legislative efforts promote sustainable energy production and use, incentives for renewable fuels like cellulosic ethanol and E85, increased fuel economy in cars and clean coal. The Lugar Energy Initiative highlights the repercussions of America's dangerous dependence on imported oil and provides information on energy legislation introduced by Lugar, commentary by outside experts and information on alternative and renewable energy sources.

From cleaner water to livestock feed, algae is making quite the splash in renewable energy.

Chris Limcaco is President of Algaewheel, an Indianapolis based company that offers a unique filtration system for wastewater that provides cleaner water and produces energy.

"My father and I built aquarium filter systems as a hobby when I was younger," said Limcaco. "I just fell in love with it."

Armed with an Associates degree in Building Construction Technology and a Bachelors degree in Environmental and Civil Engineering, this Purdue University graduate is broadening the scope of the renewable energy industry. "The closest thing to aquarium filters in college was wastewater treatment facilities, so I ran with it," said Limcaco. After college, Limcaco began working at Commonwealth Engineers in Indianapolis and was able to start designing wastewater treatment plants in Southwest Indiana. "I began developing the algae filter system, asking people 'If you had the best aquatic filter system, what would it be?,'" said Limcaco. This led to the research and development of the Algaewheel filtration system. "When you combine a simple organism like algae with one of man's simplest tools, the wheel, you can create a new, diverse system to increase our energy independence."

The Algaewheel system is now operating in Seymour and Whitestown, as well as at Purdue University. Traditionally, oxygen is injected with large air pumps, requiring additional energy. This filter system cuts the energy usage of a conventional waste water treatment facility in half by utilizing algae, which uses photosynthesis to inject oxygen in the water, rather than needing pumps, etc.

So algae cleans water, what else can it do?

Beyond the energy savings, algae gives us better, cleaner water since it can take in the nitrogen and phosphorus. "The world changed overnight it seems," said Limcaco. "Energy and climate became a huge issue for people. And suddenly, algae has become the holy grail in the renewable energy world." There are other benefits to algae usage other than cleaner water. Algae can be used to capture carbon dioxide, create biomass and for animal feed. With the support of federal research programs authored by Senator Lugar, researchers across America are discovering ways to turn algae into a domestic, renewable alternative to diesel. "Our system can be used by developed, developing and underdeveloped countries," said Limcaco. "It can clean water, provide food and create energy needed to live."

And why in Indiana?

"Hoosiers have agriculture, coal plants, waste facilities, and free flowing water all around them," said Limcaco. "Renewable energy can help the economy and could become the largest industrial revolution ever. We love Indiana and it should start here."

Education is also important to Limcaco, who plans for education programs at Hoosier colleges and universities. "We would like to utilize the university system," said Limcaco. "By educating college students on renewable energy they will get excited, see Indiana's potential and choose to live here. This protects our resources and reduces the 'brain drain' effect." "Every new idea like algae takes some getting used to. Look at ethanol, now buying hybrid vehicle is hip and cool," said Limcaco. "It just takes time. Indiana has the most potential as a renewable energy state and algae can play a significant role in that."

Senator Lugar agrees. That is why we congratulate Chris Limcaco on being a Lugar Energy Patriot.