A number of 32 projects have been identified as addressing the research on algae production for energy production, of which 12 projects under FP7 and 20 projects under H2020 RTD EU programmes. The AT~SEA (FP7) project aimed to develop advanced technical textiles to demonstrate the technical and economical feasibility of open sea cultivation of macroalgae.
AT~SEA targets the development of innovative offshore textile products to stimulate bio-energy production from seaweed by enabling open sea large scale cultivation and harvesting.
The ALGAENET (FP7) project investigated the use of sunlight to enhance biogas production from AD processes. Sunlight was used in the production of microalgae and an anaerobic bioreactor will be used to convert the biomass into biogas. Carbon dioxide and the nutrients released during anaerobic conversion will be used for microalgae production. A multi-disciplinary approach was used on the cultivation and harvesting of microalgae, and the production of biogas and hydrogen.
DOP-ECOS (FP7) focussed on bioprocesses that couple a photobioreactor, where microalgae use sunlight to produce biomass, and an anaerobic digester, where bacteria convert biomass into biogas and recover nutrients. It aims to optimize the design and operation of integrated microalgal / bacterial system and to develop the methods and tools for their reliable analysis and optimization.
The SUNBIOPATH (FP7) project aims to improve the biomass yield of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Dunaliella salina green microalgae. Researchers investigated the photochemistry and sunlight capture process and biochemical pathways and mechanisms that influence ATP synthesis. Optimal growth and photoconversion efficiency of selected mutant strains in photo-bioreactors was assessed. The project will help provide new solutions for the valorisation of microalgal biomass, through genetic engineering of chloroplast and biomethane production.
The SOLALGEN (FP7) project aimed to build a low-cost light collection and distribution system for increasing algae production. Research focused on a light/optical system, which was installed on both the photobioreactor and open pond units. Hybrid open pond photobioreactors were developed that exploits the advantages of both methods of algal cultivation and parallel experiments were conducted in order to determine the impact on production unit yield.
The ALGAEMAX (FP7) project used acoustic standing waves for harvesting high-quality microalgae biomass from their water-based growth medium. ALGAEMAX designed and built two prototype ultrasound flow cells which were validated on a small scale using models and synthetic particles and then tested under different conditions with real algal cultures.
The GIAVAP (FP7) project was established to improve and genetically transform algae to reduce algal production costs. The project genetically engineered seven microalgae species to make them better suited to specific growth conditions for the commercial production of biomaterials and improved the production of fatty acids, carotenoids and high-value proteins. Large-scale cultivation, harvesting and extraction techniques were adapted and applied to microalgae species and algal biomass and purified bioproducts were tested in various model systems.
The OPERATION SWAT (FP7) project objective was to develop an algae harvesting technology that would yield 95 % recovery at 40 % lower costs. The project studied the characteristics and particle size of seven microalgae species to identify the correct filters and investigated 20 different flocculating agents to improve the filtration. Two prototype systems were designed and installed in different microalgal production facilities. The final prototype, operated continuously, could remove 97% of suspended solids.
The HARVEST (FP7) network provides training opportunities for young researchers in key aspects of molecular biosciences and biophysical sciences. This network brings together major EU centres with expertise in a wide range of disciplines (in molecular biology, plant physiology, biochemistry, biophysics and systems biology). It aims at deeper understanding photoregulatory mechanisms in photosynthetic organisms and exploitation of knowledge.
The ALGADISK (FP7) project investigates the ways of producing microalgae for CO2 capture and biomass production. The project aimed to develop a modular, scalable and automated biofilm reactor to produce algal biomass. It identified several algal species that can be grown on a coated surface with higher yields and lower costs. A successful biofilm growth of selected microalgae was achieved in the lab-scale reactor and a harvesting technology for biofilms was designed and tested at lab-scale.
BIOFAT (FP7) was a demo project for microalgae cultivation (10 ha), with a target of 100 tons/ha to develop the concept of algorefinery. The project included two stages: process optimization in two pilot facilities, 0.5 ha each, in Italy and Portugal and scale-up to a 10 ha demo facility. The project built and operated photo bioreactors for inocula and raceways for algae production. Pre-concentration and centrifugation were tested for harvesting followed by extraction by mechanical cell disruption and conversion to diesel by trans-esterification and to ethanol through fermentation.
ALL-GAS (FP7) was established to demonstrate the production of biofuels from microalgae at large scale (10 ha site). Several processes were investigated: oil extraction and digestion of residual algae together with wastewater solids to produce biogas. Wastewater and nutrients were re-used to stimulate algae growth. The biogas was purified and compressed to serve as vehicle fuel. To reach the enhanced algal yield, additional CO2 was used from the biomass combustion (sludge from wastewater treatment, digestate from residual algae and wastewater solids) needed for drying.
The ECO-LOGIC GREEN FARM (H2020) project addresses a production plant integrating algae cultivation in photobioreactors with a syngas CHP as a source of carbon for the microalgae photosynthesis. Market application includes biomass for combustion and for AD, food supplements, pharmaceutical /cosmetics products and fertilizers. The work includes a pilot line for microalgae production, including photobioreactor for research on bio-lighting algae and continues with pilot production, performance verification and market replication.
The CMHALGAE (H2020) project aimed to create a bio-based and re-usable Cellulose Magnetic Hybrid (CMH) nanomaterial for downstream microalgae processing. The CMH nanomaterial will be capable of combined flocculation, dewatering and cell disruption of microalgae and can be removed and re-used. The techno-economic feasibility of this technology will be demonstrated in two model systems. This CMH nanomaterial would be able to achieve a critical cost reduction in microalgal downstream processing and advance large-scale microalgae production towards commercialization.
The PHARM AD (H2020) project will address the threat of micropollutants in the form of pharmaceutical residues (PR). The approach include the investigation of the efficacy of AD for the removal of PRs in conventional treatment of sludges, but also on the novel application of AD to the direct treatment of wastewaters rich in these pollutants (e.g. hospital or industry). It will also try to combine PR removal by AD with biological nutrient removal (nitrogen) by micro-algae cultivation, thus addressing one of the drawbacks of AD: the lack of nitrogen removal.
The MONSTAA (H2020) project will develop new varieties of microalgae from Arctic and Antarctic environments and study their metabolism in low temperature bioreactors. The research outcomes will be: genome-scale characterization of new varieties of microalgae; development of novel bioprocesses for high yields of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates in cold climates predictive metabolic models for maximizing yields of products in non-model varieties of microalgae.
The BIOMIC-FUEL (H2020) project aim the development of improved photonic materials that can be used to maximise algal growth in order to radically transform the algal biofuel sector. The specific objectives are: to explore the in vivo light field, optical properties and photosynthetic efficiency of a range of coral species from different light regimes; understand the nanophotonic and structural properties of corals underlying the optimised light modulation; and apply the biophotonic insight to design novel photonic materials for the improved growth of microalgae.
The project ALGAE4A-B (H2020) seeks to exploit the microalgae diversity, as a source for high-added-value biomolecules in aquaculture and cosmetics. The project will combine both basic and applied multidisciplinary research in the fields of –omics technologies, biochemistry and applied biotechnology. The project aims to develop and optimize of low input and application-based
microalgae culture systems, develop of -omic resources for both microalgae and fishes; develop of downstream processing of high value added products from microalgae; develop, formulate and in vitro evaluate a new range of cosmetic and nutraceutical products for aquaculture.
The ALGAECEUTICALS (H2020) project will combine both basic and applied research in the fields of –omics technologies, biochemistry, applied and enzyme biotechnology in order to exploit microalgae resources for the development: natural UV sunscreens, based on algae mycosporine-like aminoacids; based nutraceuticals as functional foods and food supplements; algae-derived proteases with applications in cosmetic and food industry.
The SOLENALGAE (H2020) project aims to investigate the molecular basis for efficient light energy conversion into chemical energy, to increase microalgae production combining the investigation of the principles of light energy conversion with bio-technological engineering of algal strains. The high algae growth potential has not been exploited yet, since biomass yield obtained up to now is relatively low, with high production costs. The main limitation is the low light use efficiency, reduced from the theoretical value of 10% to 1-3%.
IPHYC's patented WWT process uses microalgae to remove nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) from wastewater effluents. The process has been validated by I-PHYC in field trials at Wessex Water’s Avonmouth WWT plant. The INDALG (H2020) project aims to prove its technology &
develop its process to commercial readiness by building a commercial demonstrator for wastewater treatment and optimising its process, to develop methods of recovering value from algae.
AlgaEnergy (H2020) reached a semi-industrial scale with the start of the first phase operations in Spain, which captures flue gas a combined cycle plant. The objective of the INTERCOME project is to validate the process in real environment developing AlgaEnergy’s production facilities from TRL7 to TRL9, overcoming the current barriers to commercialization. The project’s objective is turning a demonstration production plant into a commercial industrial facility, which is called to be the European Flagship of microalgae production facilities.
The BEAL (BioEnergetics in microALgae) (H2020) project aims to: characterize and compare the photosynthetic regulation modes by biophysical approaches; use genetic and biochemical approaches to gain fundamental knowledge on aerobic respiration and anaerobic fermentative pathways; and investigate and compare interconnections between respiration, photosynthesis, and fermentation in organisms. The acquired knowledge will allow exploiting the microalgae diversity in a biotechnological perspective, and remove constraints on microalgae growth.
The ALGAMATER (H2020) is a robust, flexible, cost-effective, and eco-friendly wastewater treatment system, currently at a prototype stage (TRL7). In pilot tests, Algamater demonstrated decreased energy costs in wastewater treatment by more than 60% and lowered operational costs by more than 40% compared to traditional wastewater treatment plants. This project will upgrade, scale up and integrate the Algamater components into a full-scale wastewater treatment plant capable of demonstrating our game-changing technology at an industrial level.
The ECO-LOGIC GREEN FARM (H2020) project addresses integrating algae cultivation in photobioreactors with a syngas CHP as a source of carbon for microalgae photosynthesis. The work includes a pilot line for microalgae production, including photobioreactor for research on bio-lighting algae and continues with pilot production, performance verification and market replication.
Market application includes: biomass for combustion and AD; food supplements for human/animal use; pharmaceutical/cosmetics products; fertilizers.
The overall objective of BIOSEA (H2020) is the development and validation of innovative, competitive and cost-effective upstream and downstream processes for the cultivation of 2 microalgae (Spirulina platensis and Isochrysis galbana), and 2 macroalgae (Ulva intestinalis and Saccharina latissima) to produce and extract at least 6 high value active principles at low cost (up to 55% less than with current processes) to be used in food, feed and cosmetic/personal care as high-added value products.
The overarching aim of ALFF (H2020) is to train researchers and technologists targeting the development of superior mass algal cultivation and biocontrol strategies. ALFF tackles: the
identification, taxonomy and utilisation of algal symbionts and pathogens; inter- and intra-species signalling and chemical ecology in aquaculture and natural environment; and harnesses state of the art genomics, molecular, and biochemical techniques to characterise these interactions.
ABACUS (H2020) aims at the development of a new algal biorefinery for high-end applications.
ABACUS aims to demonstrate biorefining processes allowing valorizing up to 95% of the algal biomass into high value ingredients and by-products. ABACUS focuses on optimizing cultivation steps and mastering production by online monitoring and automated control of photobioreactors with the development of specific sensors for the relevant parameters (light, PO2, PCO2, nutrients).
VALUEMAG (H2020) project aims to provide groundbreaking solutions for microalgae production and harvesting for aquatic/marine biomass integrated bio-refineries. Production-cultivation and harvesting objectives are achieved by using magnetic nanotechnologies. Magnetic microalgae (MAGMA) are immobilized onto a soft magnetic conical surface (SOMAC) that allow optimum cultivation, enhance biomass productivity and lower costs of biomass production. Biomass is directly utilized for the production of molecules, using supercritical CO2 extraction and a new selective magnetic separation method for precise selection of value-added products.
The overall objective of the MAGNIFICENT (H2020) project is to develop and validate a new value chain based on cultivation and processing, to transform microalgae into valuable ingredients for food, aquafeed and cosmetics applications. Optimization will be done: upstream, cultivation related processes via adaptation and selection of algae varieties, improvement of growing conditions and target product concentration in the cell; and downstream process (separation, extraction, purification) to maximise the production of compounds of interest.
MacroFuels (H2020) aims to produce advanced biofuels from macro-algae (ethanol, butanol, and biogas). The project will achieve advancement in the: cultivation of brown, red and green seaweed;
pre-treatment of seaweed to yield sugars at relevant concentrations (10-30%); increasing the bio-ethanol production to concentration above 4%/l; increasing the bio-butanol yield to 15 g./l by through novel organisms; increasing biogas yield to convert 90% of available carbon; developing thermochemical conversion of sugars to fuels. The technology will be taken from TRL3 to TRL 4/5.
SABANA (H2020) aims at developing a large-scale integrated microalgae biorefinery for the production of various products, biofertilizers and aquafeed, using marine water and nutrients from wastewaters. The objective is to demonstrate the technology, achieving a zero-waste process at demo scale up to 5 ha. SABANA includes the scale-up of reactors, using marine water to recover nutrients from wastewaters, develop harvesting processes, establish processes for bioproducts extraction, process residual biomass to produce biofertilizers and aquafeed in zero-waste schemes.
The GENIALG (H2020) project aims to boost sustainable exploitation of two high-yielding species of seaweed biomass. GENIALG will demonstrate the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of cultivating and refining seaweed for multiple uses. The final goal is developing a bio-refinery concept and accelerate efficient and sustainable exploitation of seaweed biomass to bring new high-value products on the market.