A system for converting flue gas into useable bio-oil based compounds using algae comprises a grow tank enclosing multiple processing cells wherein each cell incorporates light emitting columns and a moveable grate to stir the algae and nutrients, and a flue gas distribution system configured to cool the flue gas, mix the gas with water, adjust the pH of the water, add nutrients—including a lipid trigger—to the water, and distribute the water to the processing cells through bubblers.