TNO builds mobile algae bio-refinery

TNO and algae cultivator “Algae Food and Fuel” will be building a mobile algae bio-refinery for use in a large number of spots where algae can be cultivated. The refining of algae into purified raw materials will allow these to be used as food ingredients and chemicals, thereby replacing substances with a high carbon footprint with the more sustainable option of algae-based ingredients. The start-up phase is expected to be completed after the first quarter of 2014 and this will be followed by installation at various locations for algae cultivation.
Algae have been regarded for some time as the crop of the future due to their high productivity level per hectare and, consequently, a potentially sustainable source for the production of all kinds of products. Unfortunately, algae have only been produced on a small scale to date owing to the relatively high costs involved. However, the costs of cultivation can be compensated by refining the algae on site and purifying the ingredients, thereby boosting the net value generated. This is currently the focus of the programme “GAIA: Getting Algae Ingredients Applied” of TNO, Sabic, van Wijhe Verf and de Wit Oils (Press Release TNO, 11 September 2013).
Click here for the press release.
Click here for more information about the project GAIA.

This news item is also included in our monthly overview, the NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411.