TECNALIA is researching the potential of microalgae as an alternative energy crop. The Energy Unit at Basque technology firm TECNALIA is researching the potential of mass production of microalgae as a crop.

Microalgae and its viability as a source of energy from biomass for energy use or by transformation into biofuels, is a field still in the research stage but with interesting perspectives for the future. For the moment, the complete process has not yet been sufficiently developed at an industrial level to be exploited by industries in the sector and the viability of its application has not been adequately demonstrated despite certain publicity by companies without any technological foundation.

TECNALIA is exploring the possibility that mass production of microalgae could meet the demand for alternative sources to traditional biofuel as it does not compete with the food sector, does not require large surface areas or fertile terrain, and maximizes water saving for its production.

Basically, what is involved is achieving the mass production of microalgae as precursors of biomass and/or bio-oils. To this end, a number of technological fields have to be developed, such as genomics and the selection of stocks that are the most productive and resistant to external agents; studying the crop parameters and nutrients most suited to the growth of microalgae, and especially the role of CO2; using open crop systems (raceways) and closed ones (photobioreactors), or mixed systems (raceways with greenhouse). The goal is to achieve great rates of productivity at low operational costs and investment, at the same time as studying the application of the best technologies available for harvesting and treating the microalgae crop in large, liquid-medium volumes until the dry biomass itself or the bio-oils extracted from the microalgae are obtained at reasonable prices and can be potentially used to produce energy and/or biofuels.


- Katrice R. Jalbuena

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Sources:

¹ http://www.basqueresearch.com/berria_irakurri.asp?Berri_Kod=2283&hizk=I
² http://www.tecnalia.info/