Global CO₂ emissions were approximately 37.49 Gigatonnes in 2022, of which 2.73 Gt were produced by the EU-27. Whilst the EU has reduced its emissions, current projections indicate that this will be insufficient to reach the targets set by the European Green Deal (a 55% reduction of GHG emissions compared to 1990 by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050). In 2017, CO₂ emissions from transport (including international aviation, but excluding international maritime transport) were still 28% above 1990 levels. Transport accounts for almost 25% of the EU-27’s GHG emissions and is a significant contributor to air pollution in cities.

Exactly like other plants, Microalgae naturally capture and convert CO₂ during the process of photosynthesis; but, they are able to do this significantly more efficiently: the EU has highlighted their potential in the production of the next generation of biofuels. However, to date, high production costs and a negative energy balance have prevented the process from becoming economically viable. After development at lab-scale, the FUELGAE project will validate the capture CO₂ at two case study sites in Europe (a biorefinery in Spain, and a steel mill in Romania) using a pilot photo-bioreactor on-site will be constructed and first tested in Greece. These different study sites will provide a range of gaseous feedstock for the microalgae, demonstrating the flexibility and robustness of the new technology.

The FUELGAE project aims to validate an innovative photo-bioreactor, employing specially selected and optimized strains of microalgae, as well as subsequent novel treatments of the resulting biomass to lower costs and increase efficiency, moving the process towards viability. In addition, well-designed and intensified catalytic technologies are used to deliver ready-to-use advanced biofuels. The entire value chain will be boosted by the employment of novel modeling tools, integrated in the form of a digital twin. Comprehensive LCA/LCC analysis will provide insights on the sustainability and potential environmental, economic, and social impact associated with the production of biofuels from microalgae in the FUELGAE project.

The FUELGAE project will contribute to the development of innovative and novel technologies for the production of renewable fuels, reducing CO₂ emissions and therefore reducing the GHG effect. The FUELGAE project aims to achieve Technology Readiness Level TRL 5 for the different technologies. Overall, the project will demonstrate the existence of opportunities to transition away from the use of conventional fossil fuels and ways to establish innovative methods of harnessing waste emissions from energy-intensive industrial sectors to create more circular energy pathways.