AlgaePARC

Problem statement

Developing cost-effective and sustainable microalgae production methods outdoors and associated valorization routes

Executive summary

A multi-platform biorefinery for the production of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and pigments from microalgae

Value chain description

AlgaePARC Biorefinery aims to develop a sustainable microalgae biorefinery concept, and implement it at pilot-scale. To reach this goal, there are three interrelated main topics : Technology development: research at laboratory and pilot scale to develop new continuous and scalable technology and processes to fractionate microalgae biomass into the different components (lipids, proteins and carbohydrates), while keeping its functionality and minimizing the energy requirements; Systems analysis, sustainability assessment and flexibility, Enabling tools: basic knowledge on cell wall composition, knowledge for “design” and induced self-disruption; product mapping and functionality.

Market deployment considerations

The microalgae market is expected to record a CAGR of 10.3% from 2021 to 2028 to reach $1.8 billion by 2028

Environmental considerations

Microalgae depending upon cultivating condition can sequester CO2, and can be used for wastewater treatment

Social Considerations

Generate jobs for local fish farmers and aquaculture sector

Stakeholders Involved

Algae suppliers, cultivators, Technology owners, End users (cosmetic, bioenergy)

Feedstock used

Microalgae

TRL

5

Value Chain name

AlgaeParc

Type of process

Fractionation & Extraction

Technology output

Proteins, triacylglycerides, omega3 fatty acids (EPS/DHA), carbohydrate, pigments

Processing capacity point of view (annual feedstock requirement)

NA

Country

Netherlands

Year

2013