Jack Harley Wade

Mr. Jack Harley Wade


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
28 April 2026 in Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EPEmily Preedy
Emily Preedy
DODarren Oatley-Radcliffe
Darren Oatley-Radcliffe
JPJose Ignacio Gayo Pelaez
Jose Ignacio Gayo Pelaez
GAGahtan Algahtani
Gahtan Algahtani
JWJack Harley Wade
Jack Harley Wade
ABAndrew R. Barron
Andrew R. Barron
Despite the extensive literature on microalgal production, most studies focus on controlled laboratory-scale systems, resulting in a critical lack of confidence at industrial scale. This is further compounded by the frequently observed inconsistencies, with only modest increases achieved in operational scale. This work demonstrates the design, construction, and operation of a commercial-scale tubular photobioreactor and associated equipment for the production of algae using CO2 derived from an industrial nickel refinery. The reactor was demonstrated by growing the species Nannochloropsis gaditana. Biomass concentrations of 1.0 to 1.3 g L−1 were achieved with a productivity of 0.11 g L−1 d−1. Extrapolation to a 300-day production year showed that the reactor was capable of producing 541.2 kg algae and sequestering around 1 tonne of CO2. A technoeconomic assessment showed that the total plant CAPEX was £583,905 and the OPEX was £98,196. Sales of algae alone showed poor economic performance. However, economic favourability is observed for species that contain phycocyanin pigment and yield a positive net present value within 4 to 7 years based on recovery yield. This work effectively provides reliable process data developed at scale that can be used to formulate business cases for further scale-up and expansion of algal production systems. This moves the technology a step closer to full-scale realisation and the potential for a net-zero, sustainable future.