Geodyn Solutions 100 MW Hybrid Sargassum-Algae Biogas Power
Executive Summary
Geodyn Solutions proposes a 100 MW hybrid biogas power plant in Puerto Rico, combining seasonal Sargassum seaweed harvesting with cultivated algae systems to produce renewable baseload electricity, organic fertilizer, and high-value algae-based food and feed products. This hybrid approach leverages Puerto Rico’s natural abundance of Sargassum during peak seasons while maintaining year-round energy production and product output through controlled algae cultivation.
The project supports Puerto Rico’s transition to clean energy while addressing Sargassum overgrowth, improving coastal ecosystems, and generating strong multi-stream revenue with a 12-year ROI approaching 300%.
Project Summary
| Parameter | Detail |
| Location | Puerto Rico (coastal/industrial zone) |
| Project Type | Hybrid Sargassum-Algae Biogas Power & Circular Bioeconomy |
| Installed Capacity | 100 MW continuous baseload |
| Core Technologies | Anaerobic Digestion + Combined Heat & Power (CHP) |
| Feedstock Sources | Sargassum (seasonal) + Cultivated Algae (year-round) |
| Additional Products | Organic Fertilizer, Algae Protein for Food/Feed |
| Deployment Timeline | 18–24 months |
| Electricity Sale Rate | $0.19 per kWh |
Hybrid Biomass Strategy
A hybrid approach, utilizing Sargassum during peak seasons and supplementing with cultivated algae year-round, optimizes resource use, reduces feedstock costs, and ensures operational continuity.
- Sargassum Seaweed: Naturally abundant in Puerto Rico during summer months; harvesting mitigates coastal damage and odor issues while supplying low-cost biomass.
- Cultivated Algae: Grown in open ponds to ensure year-round feedstock availability; integrates CO₂ capture and wastewater reuse.
Land Requirements
- Open Pond Cultivation: ~5,000–7,000 acres (20–28 km²) to support ~70% of year-round biomass needs.
- No additional land required for Sargassum: Harvested from coastal accumulation zones.
Location Criteria: Near coastal zones with access to wastewater, flue gas (for CO₂), and transmission infrastructure.
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)
| Component | Cost Estimate (USD) |
| Algae Open Pond Systems | $80 million |
| Anaerobic Digestion Units | $120 million |
| CHP Generators & Biogas Engines | $80 million |
| Sargassum Collection & Preprocessing | $40 million |
| CO₂ Injection and Water Reuse Systems | $20 million |
| Fertilizer Processing Infrastructure | $25 million |
| Algae Protein Drying & Processing Plant | $35 million |
| Site Preparation, Civil Works | $30 million |
| Grid Connection & Transmission | $30 million |
| Contingency (25%) | $115 million |
| Total Estimated CAPEX | $575 million |
Operating Expenditure (OPEX)
| Category | Annual Cost (USD) |
| Labor, Admin, Security | $12 million |
| Algae Operations (ponds, CO₂, nutrients) | $12 million |
| Sargassum Collection (seasonal) | $6 million |
| Equipment Maintenance & Spares | $10 million |
| Biomass Processing (fertilizer/feed) | $5 million |
| Environmental Compliance & Monitoring | $2 million |
| Utilities, Water Management | $3 million |
| Insurance, Permits, and Taxes | $3 million |
| Total Annual OPEX | $53 million |
Operating Expenditure (OPEX)
Revenue Streams
- Electricity Sales
- Annual Output: 100 MW × 85% capacity × 8,760 hrs = 744.6 GWh
- Revenue: 744.6M kWh × $0.19 = $141.47 million/year
- Organic Fertilizer Sales
- Output: ~200,000 tons/year from digestate
- Revenue: $100/ton = $20 million/year
- Algae-Based Food & Feed Sales
- Dry Biomass Output: ~10,000 tons/year
- Revenue: $2,500/ton = $25 million/year
Total Annual Revenue:
$141.47M (Electricity) + $20M (Fertilizer) + $25M (Algae Feed) = $186.47 million/year
12-Year Financial Summary
| Metric | Value |
| Total Revenue (12 Years) | $2.237 billion |
| Total OPEX (12 Years) | $636 million |
| Total Net Profit | $1.601 billion |
| Total CAPEX | $575 million |
| 12-Year ROI | ~278.4% |
| Payback Period | ~4.2 years |
Carbon Sequestration & Environmental Impact
| Benefit Area | Detail |
| CO₂ Sequestration | ~1.8 tons CO₂ absorbed per ton of algae/Sargassum → ~280,000–300,000 tons/year |
| Coastal Protection | Removes harmful Sargassum from beaches, improves tourism and marine health |
| Waste Reuse | Uses flue gas, wastewater, and seaweed waste |
| Byproducts | Clean organic fertilizer and high-protein feed |
| Water Efficiency | 90%+ water reuse in pond systems |
| Net Emissions | Near-zero or potentially carbon-negative |
Job Creation Impact
| Category | Estimated Jobs Created |
| Construction (18–24 months) | 600–800 |
| Plant Operations & Maintenance | 180 |
| Sargassum Harvesting Teams | 100+ (seasonal, local coastal) |
| Algae & Product Processing | 180 |
| Logistics & Support | 100+ |
| Total Job Impact | ~1,100+ jobs |
Strategic Benefits for Puerto Rico
- Provides clean, local baseload energy year-round
- Solves Sargassum environmental problem while generating revenue
- Reduces fossil fuel dependence and improves food and soil security
- Creates over 1,000 jobs and opens export markets for algae feed
- Qualifies for green funding, carbon credits, and climate resilience incentives
Implementation & Business Model
- Developer & Operator: Geodyn Solutions
- Biomass Strategy: Hybrid (Sargassum in peak seasons + cultivated algae)
- Revenue Model: PPA for electricity + direct sales of fertilizer and feed
- Financing: ESG funds, development banks, green bonds
- Contract Fee: 25% contingent success-based developer fee
Conclusion
This 100 MW hybrid Sargassum-algae biogas plant by Geodyn Solutions presents a triple-impact investment — solving an environmental crisis, delivering clean power, and generating valuable agricultural and nutritional co-products. With a 12-year ROI near 280%, strong job creation, and low ecological footprint, it sets a benchmark for smart, sustainable infrastructure in island economies.
