Saga City will begin conducting an experiment to cultivate Euglena using CO2 from its garbage incinerator. Euglena are single-celled photosynthetic organisms that are used for health foods because they are rich in nutrients. Other research projects aim to commercialize them as fuel sources since they also contain lipids. This October, Saga City began tests using CO2 emissions from its incinerator for horticulture, and it decided to begin cultivating Euglena since they can absorb large amounts of CO2. The experiments will begin in earnest next fiscal year with assistance from a Tokyo-based venture company called Euglena Corp. The city hopes to reduce CO2 emissions and attract businesses given the many potential uses for Euglena. This is a rare case of a local government getting involved in Euglena cultivation. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, 11/7
