By Jennet Orayeva
On May 15-16, 2025, the serene setting of Lake Plastira in Greece provided the ideal setting for a gathering of leading minds in sustainable energy. The 3rd Panhellenic Conference on Biofuels and Alternative Fuels brought together about 80 researchers, scientists, and industry executives to share insights and innovations shaping the future of clean energy.
Co-organised by the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), a key partner in the FUELGAE project, alongside the Panhellenic Association of Chemical Engineers (PACE), the conference served as a national forum for advancing scientific collaboration and technological breakthroughs in biofuels and alternative fuels. The conference focused on the development and implementation of biofuels originating from various sources, placing special emphasis on different technologies and their integration within industrial settings. This topic resonates deeply with the EU’s urgent mandate to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and transition to clean, sustainable energy sources. The event served not only as a platform for presenting scientific progress but also as a vital networking ground where cross-sector collaboration could flourish. See full conference programme (in Greek).
FUELGAE in the Spotlight
At the conference, Dr. Alexandros Pavlou, Chemical Engineer at CERTH, presented the FUELGAE project during the Biofuels session, emphasizing the development of advanced transportation fuels through innovative microalgae cultivation systems specifically adapted for industrial applications. His presentation sparked insightful discussions on the potential of improved microalgae technologies to drive sustainable fuel production – a core mission shared by the 13 partners of the FUELGAE project in advancing both biofuel research and its practical implementation in industrial settings.
Dr. Alexandros Pavlou presenting the FUELGAE project at the 3rd Panhellenic Conference on Biofuels, Greece, 15 May 2025. (Photo by Vaggelis Louloudis/CERTH)
As noted by Dr. Alexandros Pavlou, “The conference was very important for the Greek scientific community involved in biofuels and alternative fuels – a sector of increasing importance across the EU, where the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives is critical.” He added, “Conferences like this provide essential visibility for projects like FUELGAE among researchers and industry stakeholders alike, paving the way for future collaborations.”
In FFUELGAE, CERTH plays a leading role in advancing the project’s goal of ‘zero-waste’, algae-based biofuel production using innovative high-efficiency photobioreactors. The institute leads key work packages including the selection and adaptation of microalgae strains optimized for bioethanol and lipid production, the utilization of biogenic residues through hydrothermal liquefaction to generate biocrude and biochar, and the full validation of the Pilot Photobioreactor System at Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL5) in real industrial settings.
During his presentation, Dr. Pavlou showcased videos of the new pilot-scale photobioreactor in operation under simulated industrial conditions, highlighting the project’s technological advancements and real-world potential.
Bridging Science and Industry
The event, attracting diverse mix of stakeholders reflects a core objective of the Horizon Europe Programme to foster collaboration between scientific research and industry in order to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative solutions. Horizon Europe prioritizes integrated, cross-sector approaches to address complex challenges such as the transition to sustainable energy.
This collaborative spirit is especially vital in the biofuels sector, where technological breakthroughs must be coupled with industrial scalability and market readiness to achieve real impact. The FUELGAE project exemplifies this approach by combining cutting-edge research on microalgae cultivation with practical applications tailored to industrial environments, perfectly aligning with Horizon Europe’s mission to drive sustainable innovation through partnership.
Participants of the 3rd Panhellenic Conference on Biofuels and Alternative Fuels, Lake Plastira, Greece. (Photo by Vaggelis Louloudis/CERTH)
Looking Ahead: New Opportunities under Horizon Europe
As the FUELGAE project advances the frontiers of sustainable biofuels, new opportunities arise for further innovation and collaboration. The European Commission has recently opened calls for proposals under Horizon Europe’s 2025 Work Programme for Cluster 5, which covers Climate Action, Energy, Mobility. With over EUR 630 million available to fund cutting-edge research and development. Projects like FUELGAE pave the way for future advancements, and researchers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to seize this moment to contribute to Europe’s sustainable energy future.
