Researchers at UK call it a breakthrough.

They're looking at a green way to use waste from coal-burning power plants.

UK officials announced Friday they'll receive more than $1 million to demonstrate carbon capture technology at East Kentucky Power Cooperative's power station in Winchester.

The research will use algae to capture carbon dioxide from the coal-burning plant and convert it to biomass.

"I think it's very exciting," East Kentucky Power CEO Tony Campbell said. "You know 90 percent of our energy comes from coal in this state. I think it's imperative that we find ways to burn coal environmentally friendly and I think this is a strategic step in that direction in trying to find technologies that will capture carbon."

Researchers also hope to use waste and heat from coal-fired plants to turn algae into products like animal feed and fertilizer.