European organisations partner for algae project

In Europe, a number of North West European organisations are partnering for a €14 million initiative that will address the current lack of information on macro- and microalgal productivity.

Energetic Algae (EnAlgae) will establish a series of pilot-scale seaweed farms and microalgae growth facilities in the region to provide information needed for optimised algae production.

NNFCC is one organisation to embark on the four and a half year project.

The information will be used to better understand the economics and greenhouse gas balances of making fuel, energy and other products from algae in North West Europe.

'Algae offers significant potential for the sustainable production of energy and fuels. Much of the focus so far has been on the production of algae in more favourable climates, such as the US, but there is a distinct lack of information about how algae grow at scale in more challenging climates,' says Claire Smith of NNFCC.

EnAlgae is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund by the North West Europe Interreg IVB North West Europe programme and the Welsh Government's Targeted Match Fund, together with various co-sponsors.