Battling Biofilms in the Energy Sector

Nuclear power uses the action of splitting atoms to generate heat. This heat warms water, converting it to steam, and this steam is then used to turn turbines and generate electricity [2]. A key component of nuclear power stations are condenser cooling systems, which convert the generated steam back into water, which is reused within the power plant. This process relies upon cool water, normally acquired from lakes, rivers or the sea [3]. Microorganisms that inhabit these natural bodies of water can establish and form biofilms within the pipes of nuclear power stations in a process referred to as biofouling [3]. Biofouling in nuclear power plants is responsible for decreasing heat transfer efficiency, blocking pipes and reducing the plant’s overall power output [3-5]. It can also induce microbially influenced corrosion (MIC), which causes the degradation of pipelines, and consequently, significant economic costs for the industry.

Furthermore, biofouling presents a substantial issue for the oil and gas sector. Like in nuclear power plants, biofouling can clog and destroy oil and gas pipelines. It is estimated that 40% of all corroded pipelines in this specific sector are a direct consequence of MIC [3]. Not only does this incur major financial costs, but it also has significant environmental implications. Corroded pipelines can result in oil and gas leaks [3], which contaminate habitats, negatively impacting terrestrial and marine life.

The effects of biofilms can also be felt in the renewable energy sector. In 2023, wind power in the UK accounted for 29% of the country’s generated electricity [6]. It is a popular method for producing energy because it is cost-effective and more sustainable than alternative techniques [7]. One challenge faced by the wind power industry, in particular offshore wind farms, is biofouling. Microorganisms found in the ocean can form biofilms on offshore wind turbines, initiating corrosion [8] which reduces the lifespan of the structure [9].

However, are biofilms all that bad? Whilst they do cause significant challenges within the energy sector, there is hope that these microbial communities may help us produce more sustainable electricity in the future. Scientists are currently investigating the potential of engineering biofilms that can generate electricity from water evaporation [10]. The hope is that technologies such as this will be utilised to power wearable devices in a more sustainable manner [10], helping us move towards using more sustainable energy in the future.

Jaspreet Mand, Senior Scientist at LysisLogic Scientific Inc. said to us,

“Biofilms in the energy sector can cause substantial damage! Understanding the complexity within these industrial biofilms is necessary, to control unwanted microbial impacts such as microbial corrosion, souring, and biofouling. But a fundamental understanding of microbial communities will also allow us to engineer biofilms, to produce sustainable technologies.”

So, whilst there is no doubt that biofilms pose a significant challenge to the energy sector, there is optimism amongst the scientific community that biofilms may be able to shape the future of the worlds energy sector in a positive way.

References

[1] Kahsar, R. Governance and sustainability in distributed energy systems. In: Nadesan, M. Pasqualetti, MJ. Keahey, J (eds.). Energy Democracies for Sustainable Futures. Elsevier Academic Press. London, UK. 2023. pp. 17-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822796-1.00002-4

[2] National Grid. What is nuclear energy (and why is it considered a clean energy)?. Available at: https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-nuclear-energy-and-why-it-considered-clean-energy [Accessed 2024, December 6].

[3] Barton, F. Shaw, S. Morris, K. Graham, J. Lloyd, JR. Impact and control of fouling in radioactive environments. Progress in Nuclear Energy. 2022. 148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104215

[4] George, RP. Kamachi Mudali, U. Raj, B. Characterising biofilms for biofouling and microbial corrosion control in cooling water systems. Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials. 2016. 63(6):477-489. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-07-2014-1401

[5] Di Pippo, F. Di Gregorio, L. Congestri, R. Tandoi, V. Rossetti, S. Biofilm growth and control in cooling water industrial systems. FEMS Microbiology Ecology. 2018. 94. DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy044

[6] National Energy System Operator. Britain’s Electricity Explained: 2023 Review. 2024. Available at: https://www.neso.energy/news/britains-electricity-explained-2023-review [Accessed 2024, December 9].

[7] Greenpeace. Wind energy. Available at: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/challenges/renewable-energy/wind-power/ [Accessed 2024, December 9].

[8] Price, SJ. Figueira, RB. Corrosion Protection Systems and Fatigue Corrosion in Offshore Wind Structures: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Coatings. 2017. 7(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7020025

[9] Institute of Corrosion. The Role That Corrosion Management Plays in Sustainability of Wind Turbines. Available at: https://www.icorr.org/wind-turbines-sustainability-corrosion-management/#:~:text=The%20impact%20of%20corrosion%20on,need%20for%20maintenance%20and%20repairs [Accessed 2024, December 9].

[10] Liu, X. Ueki, T. Gao, H. Woodward, TL. Nevin, KP. Fu, T et al. Microbial biofilms for electricity generation from water evaporation and power to wearables. Nature Communications. 2022. 13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-32105-6