Spreading sunlight boosts algae productivity sixfold

July 30, 2026 - 21:17

Researchers at Michigan State University have found a way to dramatically increase how much algae can be grown outdoors. They developed a system that uses fiber-optic principles to spread sunlight more evenly through the water where algae lives. In outdoor tests, this approach boosted biomass productivity by as much as six times compared to standard methods.

The problem with growing algae in large outdoor tanks is that sunlight only penetrates the top few inches. Algae deeper in the water gets very little light and grows slowly, if at all. The new technology works like a light-diffusing cable. It takes sunlight hitting the surface and redirects it down into the deeper parts of the tank. This gives algae at all depths a steady supply of energy, not just the cells floating at the top.

The team tested the system outside under real sun conditions. They found that the distributed light allowed the algae to grow much faster and more consistently. The sixfold increase in productivity is a significant jump. It means the same size tank can produce much more algae in the same amount of time.

This matters because algae is used for many things. It can be turned into biofuels, animal feed, nutritional supplements, and even some plastics. One of the main barriers to making algae products affordable has been the cost and difficulty of growing enough of it. A system that makes outdoor ponds more productive could help lower those costs. The researchers believe their approach could be scaled up for commercial use, making algae a more practical source for renewable products.