Research project BL/02/IN22 (Research action BL)
The objectives of ALGONET are (i) to develop and operate a microalgae-based biorefinery for sustainable generation of bio-commodity and value-added product(s), (ii) to promote mutual interchange and cooperation in the microalgal biotechnology sector by creating, developing and maintaining links between its members and algae technology developers / suppliers at European and international level, (iii) to act as a catalyst for fostering synergies among scientists, industrialists and decision makers in order to promote the development of research, technology and industrial capacities in the field of algae, (iv) to identify and assess bottlenecks, research needs, sustainability impacts and provide recommendations to decision makers and major stakeholders , and (v) to organize the dialogue within the scientific and pre-industrial algae biotechnology sector in Europe and Asia so as to structure the medium- to long-term future cooperation. The networking activities aim to solicit and leverage a potential partnership among four scientific institutions, to develop a competence center in algal biotechnology. Prof. J.Masschelein’s (KU Leuven, VIB) expertise in genetics and molecular biotechnology of microorganisms, is coupled with Prof. E.Meers’s (UGhent) in bioresource recovery and the role of algae therein. IIT Kharagpur is engaged in R&D activities in energy, environment, water & healthcare, with a major focus on green process & product development in microalgal-microbial biorefinery models. Prof. Sen’s and UGent groupshave the experience in operating a 400 L open raceway reactor and a 500 L photobioreactor, respectively, for algal biomass cultivation, while simultaneously achieving carbon capture and wastewater valorization.
The algae bio-based sector can contribute to solve critical societal challenges, such as reaching carbon neutrality and developing a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. In Europe, there are 470 algae production units, in 23 countries,covering different production methods. However, of the macro and microalgae, microalgae production units are still a minority (33% of total units). Microalgae cultivation worldwide is mostly situated in countries with warm climates.Locations with more moderate climates, such as Belgium, have invested in microalgae production plants within greenhouses. According to recent reports, a total of 13.24 ha of unoccupied greenhouses can be found in the flower region in Belgium and this could be a potential location for microalgae cultivation and indicates the feasible scale. The climate in India is much better for microalgae production compared to the Belgian climate and India is well advanced in large-scale algae cultivation. However, the environmental impact of algae production in India is higher and could benefit from further technological development.
By combining researchers expertise and their national contexts, this network will demonstrate an integrated approach to produce microalgae in a sustainable manner on a large scale suitable for both countries. The value of ALGONET lies in the vision and drive for transnational research, development and demonstration of the novel concept of bioprocessing algal biomass through intensified unit operations that can be integrated into an economic and sustainable algal biorefinery. The network aims to generate technologies that promote sustainability, environmental protection, and the generation of bioproducts through research from the laboratory to pilot scale. These technologies will be further translated through refereed publication and a network of industry partners to ensure the further roll-out of the developed technology in both countries.
