FUELGAE Project’s 4th General Assembly: A Milestone in Biofuel Innovation

From 30 September to 1 October, the FUELGAE consortium gathered in Thessaloniki, Greece, for the 4th General Assembly meeting, hosted by the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH). This two-day event marked a significant milestone in the project’s journey to transform greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into advanced biofuels, with microalgae serving as the key driver.

The assembly provided an opportunity for partners to review the progress made over the past 12 months, exchange insights, and strategise for the next stages of innovation. The project partners also toured CERTH’s cutting-edge facilities, where research on high-performing microalgae species is being conducted. These species are being selected for their ability to convert GHG emissions into valuable polysaccharides (sugars) and lipids (oils), essential components for producing advanced biofuels.

FUELGAE consortium at the 4th General Assembly meeting, held at the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) in Thessaloniki, Greece. (Photo by RTDS Group)

Key Achievements in the First 12 Months

The FUELGAE project has achieved several critical milestones in its first year, with significant progress in the following areas:

  • Microalgae Selection: The project has successfully identified microalgae species that thrive in GHG-rich environments. These species are now being adapted and tested in partner labs to maximize their potential for biomass production.
  • Extraction Techniques: Novel methods for extracting polysaccharides and lipids from microalgae have been developed, improving the efficiency of converting biomass into biofuels.
  • Catalyst-based Advanced Biofuel Production: FUELGAE has explored innovative catalytic technologies to produce advanced liquid biofuels. These biofuels have the potential to revolutionize sectors such as aviation and shipping by providing sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
  • Environmental and Socio-economic Assessments: Preliminary evaluations of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of FUELGAE’s processes have been completed, offering valuable insights into the project’s sustainability and market potential.
  • Sensor Development: The consortium has successfully tested novel sensor probes to monitor microalgae growth, a crucial step in optimizing production processes and scaling up the technology for industrial use.
  • Innovation and IP Frameworks: To ensure long-term success, the consortium has established frameworks for managing innovation, intellectual property (IP), and business modeling. This strategic foundation is key to guiding the project toward commercialization.

Looking Ahead

As the FUELGAE project enters its next phase, the focus will shift to scaling up technologies and refining the promising processes developed over the past year. Collaboration among partners continues to be a driving force behind the project’s success, with ongoing efforts to further enhance the sustainability and viability of microalgae-based advanced biofuels.

FUELGAE consortium tours CERTH’s research laboratories in Thessaloniki, Greece, where high-performing microalgae species are being selected to convert GHG emissions into advanced biofuels. (Photo by RTDS Group)

 

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