6th International Algae Congress December 4-5, 2012 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Microalgae have been of major interest for producing biofuels in the last decade. Recently, development and focus was changed towards the use of microalgae in the food, feed, materials and chemical sector as well. Microalgae contain high amounts of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, which all can be used for different markets. For biofuels only microalgae production appears to be too costly but in a biorefinery concept where the different compounds are isolated, algal biofuels remain a feasible option.
Worldwide basic research, pilot and demonstration projects were developed. We are working on the basic aspects to make commercial production of microalgae possible. In this conference we will report on the developments in the field by presentations of the larger projects inside and outside Europe. We will discuss basic research questions as well as demonstration projects. We will look at scalability and sustainability of the process of algae production and refinery.
Prof. René Wijffels, advisory committee, 6th International Algae Congress.
See the confirmed speakers in the congress programme.
Site visit to Algae Production Process
The application Centre for Renewable RESources intends to build a test prototype of a bioreactor for the production of algae and to carry out experiments to be able to assess realistic production levels. By testing several species of algae and production systems in various combinations, a procedure can be developed with which it is possible to produce bioenergy and high-value products from algae in a cost-effective way and on a large scale.
Sessions will address the following themes:
Session 1: Future European Algae Biomass; forecast, regulations and investment opportunities
- Forecast
- Regulations
- Investment opportunities
Session 2: Commercial Algae Production, new views & concepts from laboratory and field
- Reduction of energy input
- Efficiënt use of sunlight
- Nutrient recycle
- Scale up
- LCA’s/ Design scenarios
- Innovative photobioreactors
Session 3: EU & Global projects
- Reports on FP7 and global projects
Session 4: Strain Selection & Genetic Engineering
- Latest developments
- Innovative technologies
Session 5: Biofuel production & Biorefinery
- Promising Technologies
- Innovative business models that lead to the implementation of Biorefinery
Session 6: Markets
- Market analysis studies
- Market potential and time lines
