Biorefineries and Biogas solutions in a Blue Bio-economy 20th September 2016, Sotenäs Cultivation and processing of macroalgae biomass in Norway and the COMPLETE project Dr Francesco Ometto 1. Algae biomass Today, algae biomass represents an growing market with more than 16 million tones per year! Algae market in Seoul, 2016 22 September, 2016 2 2. COMPLETE (25 MNOK) 22 September, 2016 3 Algae biomass 22 September, 2016 4 Algae biomass Macro-algae JRC, 2015 “Biofuels from algae: technology options, energy balance and GHG emissions” by Rocca et al. 22 September, 2016 5 Algae biomass micro-algae Raceway Ponds used for the culture of Spirulina platensis by Earthrise in Calipatria, California (Courtesy A. Belay) JRC, 2015 “Biofuels from algae: technology options, energy balance and GHG emissions” by Rocca et al. 22 September, 2016 6 Paje beach, Tanzania https://roreyandcody.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/seaweed-farming-on-paje-beach/ 22 September, 2016 7 Large scale algae-farm, North China http://theconversation.com/is-sustainable-aquaculture-an-oxymoron-aquaculture-can-be-a-positive-force-in- the22-marine September,- environment2016 -6993 8 Raceway Ponds used for the culture of Spirulina platensis by Earthrise in RacewayCalipatria, Ponds California (Courtesy A. Belay) PhotoBioReactor (PBR) used for the culture of Spirulina platensis by Earthrise in http://reich- Calipatria, California (Courtesy A. Belay) chemistry.wikispaces.com/Langelier.Lester.Wiki.Spring.2011 22 September, 2016 9 The natural seaweed resources in Norway . Standing stock: 50 mill ton seaweed (ww) (Steen 2013, HI) . 99% of the biomass is kelp (Laminaria hyperborea and Saccharina latissima)(Gundersen et al. 2011, Niva) . Harvested annually (ww): – 150-180.000 tons kelp Laminaria hyperborean (FMC BioPolymer, Haugesund) – 15.000 tons Ascophyllum nodosum (Algea, Kristiansund) 22 September, 2016 10 Area for seaweeds in Norway WILD CULTIVATION . "Seaweed bed" area: 8.000 km2 . Sea area inside sea boundary: 125.000 km2 (787.000 km2 economic zone) (Gundersen et al. 2011, Niva) 22 September, 2016 11 Area for seaweeds in Norway Industry: Lofoten Esca Verno Storvik Harvest Folla Alger Ocean Future Seaweed Energy Solutions Bogestilla Saccharina latissima Seaweed and Værlandet Fiskeredskap Hortimare and Sulefisk Ca 100 tons in 2015 Ocean Forest Austevoll Seaweed Farm Norwegian Seaweed Seaweed Production Alaria esculenta 22 September, 2016 12 Algae biomass Challanges Harvesting Pre-processing - Costs - Costs - Technology - Technology - Efficiency - Efficiency ...we know how to produce the algae biomass, what we don’t Algae know is how to use it in cultivation an efficient way! 22 September 2016 13 Microalgae cells characteristics Proteins Lipids inside Rigid cell wall Sugars able to resist bacteria degradation (e.g. wall cellulose and acetolysis resistant biopolymers (ARB) sporopollenin TEM Immagine of S. obliquus and algaenan. Cranfield University (UK) 22 September, 2016 14 Macroalgae cells characteristics Presence of polyphenol and fucoidans (sulphated polysaccharide) in the biomass preventing microbial degradation 22 September, 2016 15 Take home n.1 . The use of algae for solemnly biofuels production is not profitable. There is the need to develop new technologies able to guarantee a competitive algae-based products. It is NOT only about cultivation and harvesting… 22 September, 2016 16 2. COMPLETE Energy efficient biogas production by recirculation of nutrients and COMPLETE utilisation of resources 22 September, 2016 17 MILL COMPLETE AD 22 September, 2016 18 AD 22 September, 2016 19 COMPLETE . Energy efficient biogas production by recirculation of nutrients and complete utilisation of resources . 2016-19 . Budget 25 mill NOK . Innovative facility improvements through increased utilization and refining of digestate . Expansion of biogas production through utilisation of new substrates 22 September, 2016 20 COMPLETE WP1 Increased utilization and refining of solid digestate through cultivation of polychaetes WP2 Increased utilization and refining of liquid digestate through cultivation of microalgal and bactarial biomass WP3 Expansion of biogas production with new substrates – residuals after protein extraction from cultivated macroalgae WP4 Expansion of biogas production with new substrates – industrial waste and aquaculture sludge WP5 Modeling and System Integration WP6 Project management, administration and dissemination activity 22 September, 2016 21 Take home n. 2 . Integrated AD process… it’s happening! . The use of innovative biomasses (e.g. algae, PMI sludges,….) for biogas production is the future. You can believe on it, or dream about it. 22 September, 2016 22 Thanks for your attention Tack för din uppmärksamhet This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement n. 316838 Dr Francesco Ometto Project Manager Mobile: +46 (0)70 626 6330 [email protected] 22 September, 2016 23.